How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
And God caused him to die for a hundred years, and then raised him to life. And God said, "How long hast thou waited?" He said, I have waited a day or part of a day." Qur'ān, 2:261 (Epigraph)
After reading this epigraph from the Islamic holy text, you wouldn't expect the story to be about a Jewish guy. But the takeaway has to do with the subjectivity of time, a theme that definitely isn't limited to any one religion.
Quote #2
In the darkness he spoke with God. (6)
Up until this point, Judaism has seemed like a mostly academic exercise to Jaromir. It's something he writes about, and it's a part of his cultural heritage, but we haven't seen any evidence that it's had any spiritual influence on Jaromir. Clearly, things are a-changing.
Quote #3
If, he prayed, I do somehow exist, if I am not one of Thy repetitions or errata, then I exist as the author of The Enemies. In order to complete that play, which can justify me and justify Thee as well, I need one more year. Grant me those days, Thou who art the centuries and time itself. (6)
Jaromir's prayer to God is basically a plea for more time. That's a pretty universal desire, don't you think?