She almost never saw them.
-- Narrator (Pages 187 - 190)

Importance: The opening paragraph of the short story begins with a lengthy, lyric description of the town where Magna is living and teaching. Though these descriptions originate from Magna’s consciousness and her vantage point behind the wheel of her car, the narrator does not mention her existence until this final sentence of the paragraph. Her sudden appearance on the page jars the reader, mimicking the jarring sensation Magna experiences when she hits Benton Anders. This line booth enacts Magna’s experience while also introducing the story’s overarching stylistic patterns.

She hurt his face and was not sorry.
-- Narrator (Pages 187 - 190)

Importance: When the narrative shifts into scenes from Magna’s past, Magna’s relationship with Jamal features heavily. In this passage, the narrator describes one of the nights just prior to Jamal’s departure for California. After telling Magna that he will miss her, he moves in for...