Bowen's story "The Demon Lover" suggests that the emotional effects of the war on the home front were significant. The story shows how the war altered the psychological state of the protagonist, Mrs. Drover. She is vulnerable to the haunting memories of the past, which are unresolved and continue to affect her in the present.
The war altered Mrs. Drover's sense of security and stability. She returns to her home after being evacuated during the war to find it deserted and dilapidated. This alteration in her physical environment symbolizes the emotional turmoil that she is experiencing. Her vulnerability is evident as she starts to hear strange sounds and feels as though she is being watched. The memories of the war, which remain unresolved, continue to haunt her and affect her sense of reality.
In this way, Bowen's story suggests that the emotional effects of the war were long-lasting and had a profound impact on the psychological well-being of those who experienced it. Mrs. Drover's emotional state is closely linked to her physical surroundings, which reflects the relationship between literature and place. The story shows how a place can be imbued with emotional significance, and how literature can convey this connection between place and emotion.