How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Even the surface had been burned off the ground. (I.1)
Usually, the surface is the first thing to burn, right? Now, Nick is talking about the town of Seney here, so “surface” might refer to roads, or sidewalks—essentially, everything to the very foundation has been destroyed. But surface usually refers to appearances too. So we can read this line two ways as a result of the word “even”: either everything to the very foundations has been burned, or even the surface appearance has changed because everything is so burned. Or we can have our cake and eat it too and just think about how utterly burned everything is.
Quote #2
As he watched them they changed their positions by quick angles, only to hold steady in the fast water again. (I.2)
Here we’re not talking about a change like a transformation, as in how the landscape as been transformed by the fire; we’re talking about a change in position. This kind of change is different: changes in movement aren’t permanent or scarring. The fish here can change, but in the end they always “hold steady in the fast water again.” So the fish are resilient. Maybe it reminds Nick of his own situation…
Quote #3
He felt he had left everything behind, the need for thinking, the need to write, other needs. It was all back of him. (I.7)
Can you say vacation? Sounds pretty relaxing to us. Here, we might think of Nick needing a change of pace. It sounds like there are a lot of obligations plaguing Nick back at home, and the only way he can get away from them is by literally leaving them behind. Change of scenery, anyone?