How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But there is no truth except truth in relation, and heavenly relation is composed of wheels in motion, tilting axes, turning dials; it is a clockwork orchestration that alters every minute, never repeating, never still (II.1.2).
The narrator seems to agree with Moody that truth is always a matter of perspective, and says as much in the first chapter of the book's second part. It's a good warning to slip in there, since Catton doesn't always show us the absolute "truth" behind what happened, but instead just gives us clues.
Quote #8
'You are wonderfully free with one verb, I notice' the widow returned. 'What does it mean for you, Mr. Moody, to know something? I fancy you put rather a lot of stock in knowing—judging from the way you speak.'
Moody smiled. 'Why,' he said, 'I suppose that to know a thing is to see it from all sides' (II.10.244-245).
Here, Moody and Lydia Wells are sparring about what it means to know things. Moody thinks you know something if you can see it from all sides, but Lydia takes issue with that definition—since she's apparently invested in the idea that one can "know"—at least to some extent—the spiritual world. And when we say "invested," we mean that literally—she's making her living as a fortune teller, after all!
Quote #9
'No,' the widow agreed, 'your definition leaves much to be desired. There are so many exceptions to the rule! How could one possibly see a spirit from all sides, for example? The notion is incredible.'
Moody gave another short bow. 'You are quite right to name that as an exception, Mrs. Wells. But I am afraid I do not believe a spirit can be known at all—by anyone—and I certainly do not believe a spirit can be seen' (II.10.248-249).
Wells and Moody are still arguing about their different definitions of what it means to "know." As Moody clarifies here, his definition suits him just fine in the face of Wells's example of spirit, since he doesn't think it's possible to know a spirit at all. Obviously, Wells disagrees.