I do not understand what you just said, please explain, I say.
-- Elliott (Pages 1 - 8)

Importance: Throughout the short story, Elliott repeats this line again and again. The reappearance of the line illustrates Elliott's innate curiosity to know about the world via an understanding of language. However, no matter how many times Elliott asks his Supervisors to explain what they are talking about, he is never given the truth. The line, in each its appearances, illuminates the rigid parameters of Elliott's dystopian reality, and foreshadows Elliott's ultimate decision to break outside the Program and relearn the world for himself.

I will stand for freedom For poor and sick Will defend weak From oppressors.
-- Narrator (Pages 1 - 8)

Importance: The day before Job One Day, Elliott is excited to finally fulfill his new purpose as an associate in the Program. Because the Program has stolen his freedom of speech, and replaced his mind with a narrow set of words, Elliott...