The darkening garden not to be wished upon now, for something of that darkness has come into the house.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Before the police inspectors visit Eilish's home, Eilish takes comfort in the dark garden outside her window. After the inspectors leave, however, the dark garden is no longer comforting. Darkness becomes symbolic of danger and fear, rather than of quiet, stillness, and peace.

Eilish, it is really quite simple, the NAP is trying to change what you and I call reality . . .
-- Simon (chapter 1)

Importance: Although Eilish knows that the National Alliance Party and their secret police force are changing social structures in Ireland, she does not want to believe that they can strip her, her family, and her fellow citizens of their civil liberties. Even after the GNSB summons Larry for questioning, Eilish remains in denial. In this scene, Simon is trying to awaken her from her delusion. His words effectively portend the ways...