And so, when the tragedy struck, everyone felt themselves affected.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: When Sidi discovers that a mysterious predator has killed thousands of his bees, he is devastated. Despite the fact that the elderly beekeeper lives a distance from the village, the Nawis love and respect Sidi. They are also intimately aware of Sidi's connection with his bees, which makes them mourn the insects along with him. This line speaks to the Nawa communities mutual care for one another, and introduces the author's thematic interest in the importance of camaraderie in overcoming hardships.

These were cards he didn't know how to interpret.
-- Narrator (chapter 4)

Importance: After lifelong friends Toumi and Douda play cards in town, they wander the village and discuss the upcoming election. While observing the newly erected voting booth, the friends wonder at the impossibility of choosing the right party to govern them. Though they have each party's political pamphlets in hand, they...