Belief in Omens/Superstitions versus Religion

Religion and superstition are two areas of belief about which characters in this novel feel strongly. Different characters live their according to differing levels of religious belief. Sophia, though errant, believes very strongly in her faith. Jan, on the other hand, chooses to interpret religion as he chooses. Maria is a character who is superstitious to a fault while Cornelis is a character who believes superstition is a pastime of the uneducated. Regardless of their levels of belief, all the characters seem to receive the reparations they believe they deserve.

Sophia is deeply religious and understands that what she is committing are mortal sins. From the beginning of her affair with Jan, Sophia realizes that her punishment for her sins is liable to be severe. Instead of avoiding Jan or calling off the affair, Sophia continues it. When she learns that...