I am,' his heart told him.
-- Narrator (Pages 60-65)

Importance: While talking to his father at the start of the story, John struggles to meet Stanley's gaze. He has not only learned to fear his father, but is convinced his father sees him as a sinner deserving of condemnation. Then, suddenly, John feels he is a sinner. Rather than originating from his mind or thoughts, however, the narrator says that John's heart communicates this truth to him. John is therefore unable to consciously own his faults. The fear of being a sinner is buried inside him, yet difficult to mentally acknowledge.

He should not fear me.
-- Stanley (Pages 60-65)

Importance: After John leaves the family hut, Susana confronts her husband for torturing their son. She does not agree with how Stanley wields his religiosity over John, thus frightening him. Stanley, however, tells his wife that John's fear is unwarranted. His words illustrate the way his piety blinds...