The tree had captured Two's imagination; she'd often wondered how it had gotten into its peculiar situation.
-- Narrator (Backstage)

Importance: After receiving a letter from her mother at the start of the novel, Two sits near the window and studies the neighboring catalpa tree. In this detailed and poetic passage, the narrator describes the tree via Two's distinct lens. The description of the tree reflects how deeply in tune Two is with the natural world. The image of the tree is also a symbolic manifestation of Two's resilience and strong will. Though the tree has been presumably struck by lightning, it continues to survive. In much the same way, after Two's accident, she too finds a way to continue living with courage and strength.

Two Feathers couldn't fathom why a white would pretend to be an Indian for any reason other than criminal.
-- Narrator (Another Letter)

Importance: When Two receives the first letter from the stranger identifying...