Content Warning: The source material and study guide contain discussion of murder, torture, political persecution, anti-LGBTQ+ bias (including anti-gay slurs), racism, addiction, suicidal ideation, and child sexual abuse.

“And since a woman’s the best there is…I want to be one.”

Molina is explaining what others tell her: that finding a woman will make her straight. Molina feels like a woman and wants to be with a man, but the way she expresses her disagreement is significant, as it accepts the basic premise that heteronormative relationships are “the best.” Her words therefore establish both The Fluidity of Gender and Orientation and the limitations of that fluidity.

“I don’t believe in that business of living for the moment, Molina, nobody lives for the moment. That’s Garden of Eden stuff.”

Molina tells Valentin to “live in the moment,” but Valentin is determined to focus on the future, especially as it relates to the political revolution. He implies that living for the moment is unrealistic and a form of escapism, developing the theme of The Meaning and Value of Liberation. The allusion to the Garden of Eden foreshadows Molina’s role as a spy; as prisoners, Molina and Valentin are so isolated that they might as well be the only people in the world, and like Eve, Molina will tempt her counterpart to betray his principles.

“Social revolution, that’s what’s important, and gratifying the sense is only secondary. While the struggle goes on, and it’ll go on for the rest of my life, it’s not right for me to cultivate any kind of sensual gratification […] The greatest pleasure’s […] knowing I’ve put myself in the service of what’s truly noble […] and I can get that pleasure anywhere, right here in this cell, and even in torture.”

Valentin is explaining to Molina that social revolution comes before anything else, including sexual gratification. He believes that storytelling, which helps Molina mentally escape the cell, is dangerous and even addictive.