She had chosen.
-- Narrator (An Ant)

Importance: After Rachel insists an ant has bitten and entered her eye, Eliza realizes she will have to choose whether or not to believe her wife's story. Appearing in the first chapter of the novel, this moment illustrates Eliza's resolve to adopt Rachel's story as truth in order to preserve their relationship. In this way, the ant symbolizes love and trust, themes which pervade the chapters to come. The moment also addresses the author's thematic interest in cause and effect, and the ways in which each individual's choices impact the lives of those around them.

Did he owe his life to an ant?
-- Narrator (An Ant)

Importance: When Arthur turns three, Eliza and Rachel take him to Disneyland. While on the teacups ride, Eliza sees a man she believes is Mr. Kargin, causing her to question the interconnectivity of human lives and choices. In this moment she observes her son, wondering if...