Discuss the meaning of the epigraph for Part One of the novel.

In his book entitled A General Theory of Human Violence, Reynard Thompson wrote, "Let us be practical in our expectations of Criminal Law...For we have merely to imagine...meeting our earliest hominid ancestor, Adam...Now, let us agree that we may pronounce whatever laws we like for this clever little creature, still it would be unwise to pet him" (1). William Landay chooses this epigraph in order to set a foundation of themes for the novel, such as violence, unpredictability, fear, and danger. Even before the narrative begins, the reader is aware that the nature of the novel will be raw, and possibly violent, in nature.