The dream is an instruction to withdraw from the world.
-- Artt (Monastery)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Artt has a dream that he is convinced is a vision from God. As soon as he wakes from the dream, he relays its contents to the Abbot, insisting that God has instructed him to leave civilization with Trian and Cormac, find a remote island, and establish a new monastery. The way in which he describes his mission in this moment conveys the heart of Artt's character. Although the dream is not unlike any other dream, Artt interprets it as a message from God because he considers himself endowed with divine authority. He believes he has a closer connection to and understanding of God, and wields this supposed authority over others. His decision to retreat from society also reveals the dichotomous nature of his mission. He wants to create a new community, yet insists...