This lifestyle, for people like us!
-- Alice (chapter 2)

Importance: In an email to Eileen, Alice recounts her experience at the local convenience store. While standing in the shop, looking for something to eat, Alice has a revelation about the world's socioeconomic problems. In this moment, she exclaims at how backward their societal systems are, while also acknowledging her own culpability. This passage introduces the author's subtextual explorations regarding the imminent collapse of civilization, and the individual's attempt to reconcile her daily life with global concerns.

You're not like me. You're going to have a happy life.
-- Alice (chapter 3)

Importance: When Alice and Eileen are in college, Eileen loses her virginity one night. She comes home and cries about how awful the experience was to Alice. Alice reassures Eileen, insisting that because they are inherently different people, Eileen has a better chance of happiness. This moment not only introduces the author's thematic explorations regarding the search for...