She is the monster. We'll see about that.
-- Narrator (Part One)

Importance: At the start of the novel, the author introduces the reader to the narrative world by way of the Gorgoneion's first person point of view. Rather than casting Perseus as the hero and Medusa as the monster, the Gorgoneion is determined to expose Perseus's cruelty and violence and Medusa's innocence and purity. This moment from Part One's opening chapter, therefore, introduces the reader to the narrative's primary stakes and thematic explorations.

This, she knew, was love.
-- Narrator (Part One)

Importance: Before Medusa arrives on the Gorgons's Libyan island, neither Sthenno nor Euryale have experienced intense emotions such as love and fear. The relationship that the Gorgon sisters therefore develop with their new mortal sister grants them the capacity for love and care. The love they feel for Medusa is not only involuntary, but quickly proves transformative. The author uses the sisters' relationship and devotion to one...