Behold her single in the field,/yon solitary Highland Lass!
-- The Speaker

Importance: This quote is important because it emphasizes the cultural identity and the isolation of the reaper. Without knowing that the reaper is from the Scottish Highlands, we would not understand why the speaker is unable to understand the words of her song. Furthermore, the reaper’s isolation helps to emphasize her status as a foreign other from the perspective of the speaker.

Will no one tell me what she sings?
-- The Speaker

Importance: This question from the speaker is significant because it highlights the limitations of language as a means of imparting meaning or beauty. The speaker here is frustrated that they cannot understand the words of the reaper’s song. However, they later find that the words themselves are less important than the actual melody, which stays with them in their heart in spite of their inability to understand its meaning.

Whate...
-- The Speaker