Birth and death and the woods all around. And questions that never got answered, because they couldn’t easily be asked.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: This statement in the beginning of the novel demonstrates the nature of Dirk’s experience in his early childhood. The natural world surrounds him, which allows him to feel comfortable with the setting. However, on a social level, Dirk feels that he cannot be open and honest with the old man and the old woman, who are the only people he has the opportunity to interact with in their isolation.

We all show too little tolerance for those who are not like us.
-- Pfarrer Johannes (chapter 15)

Importance: Pfarrer Johannes reacts to the visiting Catholic choir members who leave a wild bear in his chapel by examining the larger context of their conflict. This admission allows Macguire to establish the context of the novel, in early 19th century Europe, as its inhabitants face religious...