Is it possible, at certain moments we cannot imagine, a horse can add its sufferings together –the non-stop jerks and jabs that are its daily life –and turn them into grief? What use is grief to a horse?
-- Dysart (Act 1, Scene 1 paragraph pp. 9-10)

Importance: In this quote, Dysart reflects on Alan's obsession with horses, and on the idea of attempting to figure out what is in a horse's head. Is it possible that animals can become depressed, can become grief-stricken out of knowledge of their own lives? Dysart wonders this as he proceeds through the play, for the quote mirrors Alan's own evolution as a character, and his evolution with horses. What use is grief to a horse, Dysart wonders, in its whole existence. Extrapolated, what use is grief, or worship, to Alan in his existence in modern society?

What did I expect of him? Very little, I promise you. One more dented little face. One...
-- Dysart (Act 1, Scene 2 paragraph p. 13)