I do believe in luck, in flukes, in the meaningless harmony of certain sequences.
-- Narrator (Part I: Chapter 1)

Importance: David's belief in luck establishes his complex relationship with the Christian faith. David grew up in the church, but no longer follows Christian teachings the way he once did. Even still, David constantly looks for signs like the Biblical symbols he grew up with to navigate his adult experience. He therefore regards his foray into politics as chance because he does not know how to make sense of it otherwise.

I'd been preached to, or at, and mostly liked it, all my life.
-- Narrator (Part I: Chapter 1)

Importance: David's reflections on his childhood church experiences capture his longing for guidance and direction. David is a writerly character who relies on stories to make sense of himself and his world. He has always enjoyed listening to preaching, because such messages gave him instructions he once felt he could follow. This moment therefore...