What is the importance of "masks" in the novel, A Gambler’s Anatomy?

The concept of masks, both literal and figurative, appears repeatedly throughout the novel and symbolizes the barriers between the world and one's inner self. Bruno’s persona is referred to as a mask, and after that persona appears to be degraded by Berkeley and then removed surgically, he demands a replacement in the form a post-surgical medical mask. This represents his need to place distance between himself and others. Masks also represent the subsequent malleability of Bruno’s personality and obligations, as demonstrated by Stolarsky forcing Bruno to wear a Halloween mask while working at Kropotkin’s Sliders. The other major example of the mask motif is when Madchen appears in a sexual submission mask during Bruno’s game against Kohler, although Bruno does not know at the time that this is Madchen. Madchen’s mask seems to symbolize the bad luck and meandering nature of her own past, which corresponds with the subsequent circumstances of Bruno, her love interest.