Much farther. How had that happened?
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: The author opens the novel with the image of Alex swimming out alone into the ocean. While the water initially soothes Alex, she soon discovers that she has let the current carry her away. She has indeed been floating on her back, oblivious to how far the water has moved her from shore. In this moment, she is flipping over, shocked to see where she is. The scene is a metaphor for Alex's life. Indeed, she operates in this oblivious manner, floating along in a daze, unaware of the consequences, threats, and dangers of her behaviors. The moment therefore is also foreshadowing the conflicts Alex will face throughout the coming chapters.

She had disappeared herself—it had been easy.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: After things go awry for Alex in the city, she attaches herself to Simon. She plays her usual game in order to seduce him and...