'tears the paper lantern off the light bulb' symbolizes the exposure of truth, the destruction of illusions, confrontation, and the consequences of denying reality. It represents a pivotal moment + Mitch attempts to disprove adding betrayal 'three people,kiefaber,stanley and shaw, swore to them!' exlamatory verb in the predicate is "swore," which is the past tense form of "swear." It denotes the action of making a solemn declaration or promise.