How does the childhood incident between Dunstan and Boy affect their adult relationship?

In "Fifth Business," the childhood incident between Dunstan Ramsay and Boy Staunton fundamentally shapes their relationship throughout adulthood, creating a rift characterized by guilt and rivalry. This incident, particularly the moment when Dunstan inadvertently causes a life-changing accident for Boy, engenders a sense of unresolved guilt within Dunstan, which he carries into their adult lives. Conversely, Boy's reaction to the incident manifests as both rivalry and a sense of superiority, as he goes on to live a life marked by external success and societal standing.

The dynamics of this earlier conflict seep into their adult interactions, creating a tension that underlines and complicates their friendship. The guilt that Dunstan feels becomes a crucial aspect of his identity, influencing his choices and his understanding of himself in relation to Boy. Meanwhile, Boy's perception of their relationship and his need to assert dominance exacerbate the rivalry, making it a constant undercurrent of their interactions. As a result, rather than fostering a bond of respect or leading to reconciliation, the incident establishes a pattern of behavior that highlights the deep psychological scars left by childhood experiences and how they can impede genuine connection in adulthood.