At the heart of Vipers’ Tangle lies a profound exploration of spiritual transformation. This journey is encapsulated by Louis, who, much like the seekers described by Saint Teresa of Avila, finds himself misguidedly chasing after false idols. Throughout the narrative, Louis grapples with deep-seated anger and a thirst for vengeance, which serve as catalysts for his eventual unraveling of the potent social values that have long dominated his life. These values include the superficial allure of physical beauty, the weight of inheritance—both material and psychological—the prestige of professional achievement, the unyielding drive of competition, and the societal prestige tied to class and wealth. As Louis’s animosity begins to wane, the once-coveted objects of his heart's desire gradually lose their grip, paving the way for a transformation that is as enlightening as it is liberating.

In the novel, the narrative structure intricately mirrors the protagonist's emotional turmoil. The frequent interruptions in the diary entries serve as a testament to this struggle. These breaks are not solely the result of external factors like exhaustion, illness, or dim lighting; more significantly, they stem from Louis's internal emotional upheaval. At the onset of his journey, his emotions are so overwhelming that they blur the lines between past and present, creating a sense of disarray in his recounting. Furthermore, Louis's deep-seated fear of being rejected once again by Isa, coupled with the horror of confronting his own perceived monstrosity, leads to a hesitancy in his storytelling. It is this fear and anger that initially impede the coherence of his narrative. However, as the story unfolds, Louis begins to shed these emotions, paving the way for transformation and self-acceptance. Through this emotional release, his narrative gradually finds a semblance of order, reflecting his journey towards personal change.

François Mauriac masterfully employs an array of stylistic devices and symbolic imagery to enhance the thematic depth of his work. At the heart of this technique is the central metaphor, the "vipers’ tangle," which vividly encapsulates protagonist Louis' entanglement in avarice, paranoia, and deep-seated hatred. This metaphor extends into a striking image when Louis offers Luc a money belt described as a “boa,” a vivid representation of his constricted and venomous nature.

The symbolism continues with the bed, ironically depicted as a "desert" that mirrors the barrenness of love in Louis' life. Mauriac uses dialogue as a powerful tool to bring authenticity to the characters' conflicts and conspiracies, revealing critical truths through Isa’s revelations. Each season is intricately linked to Louis’ spiritual journey: spring rains and hail reflect his aloofness from the land; the sweltering summer heat symbolizes the eruption of his intense fury, driving him to Paris despite his illness; and autumn signifies his spiritual harvest, a time of reflection and change.

Religious symbolism is woven throughout Louis' experiences, with his suffering reaching a climax during the sacred period of Good Friday and Easter. This timeframe symbolizes his own personal crucible and prepares the ground for his eventual transformation. The events around Bastille Day signify a personal revolution, foreshadowing his liberation, while Christmas marks his rebirth within the Church, symbolizing hope and renewal.

Religious motifs further enrich the narrative texture, including memories of prayer, the evocative ringing of bells, and gestures laden with irony, such as Hubert’s insincere sign of the cross. Churches serve as pivotal symbols, like the one that appears unexpectedly on the horizon, described as "like a living body," after Isa shatters Louis’ faith in love. This imagery is complemented by Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where Louis encounters betrayal but also glimpses the possibility of salvation.