The identity of "Jericho" in the context of the story is complex, evolving through different forms. The baby originally named Jericho was indeed a real human baby, but tragically, that child died. Following this loss, the character referred to as Jericho in the household manifests in various ways.
The Evolution of Jericho's Presence
To understand whether Jericho is a "real baby," it's crucial to examine the different stages of the character's depiction within the narrative:
- The Original Jericho: This refers to the biological child of Dorothy and Sean. This child was a real human baby, but sadly, the baby died before the main events of the story began.
- The Lifelike Doll: In the aftermath of the tragedy, and due to the profound grief and denial of the mother, Sean and Julian introduced a lifelike doll to take Jericho's place. This doll was not a real baby.
- Leanne's "Reintroduction" of Jericho: Later, a significant event occurs when Leanne brings a human baby into the home and claims this child is Jericho. This baby was a real, living human infant, distinct from the doll, although its true identity in relation to the original Jericho is a central mystery of the narrative.
Summary of Jericho's Forms:
| Form of Jericho | Type | Reality Status | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Baby | Human Child | Real (Deceased) | The biological child of Dorothy and Sean, who tragically passed away. |
| First Replacement | Lifelike Doll | Not Real | Introduced as a stand-in for the deceased child due to the mother's deep denial. |
| Second Replacement | Human Baby | Real (Living) | A genuine human infant brought into the household by Leanne, claimed to be Jericho. |
Therefore, the answer depends on which "Jericho" is being referenced within the unfolding storyline. While the original baby was real and a subsequent baby brought in by Leanne was also a real human, there was a significant period when a doll was used in the role of Jericho.
