Two Old Women

“I wanted to be like her when I became an elder.”

This quote is spoken by the narrator when she is discussing her relationship to her mother. The quote reveals the reverence and respect the narrator accords her mother, a sign that she belongs to a larger community that values elders. The role elders play in society continues to have precedence throughout the novella.

“Stories are gifts given by an elder to a younger person.”

The narrator explains why she chose to write this story down for others’ consumption. This remark elevates the story from mere entertainment to an important intergenerational message. This quote also sets up a divide between the young and old, a divide which constantly surfaces throughout the novella.

“[I]t caused less pain to think about certain things than to speak about them.”

Shruh Zhuu makes this discovery when he realizes the consequences of trying to save his grandmother. The quote reveals how the nature of his community contributes to secretive behavior and a lack of emotion. It also demonstrates The People’s penchant for separating their inner and outer selves, a flaw which eventually causes them much pain.