“The bitter howls of winter, uncertainty, and a soon-to-be forgotten war rolled over the sleepy, dark hills of Thousandsticks, Kentucky, in early March, leaving behind an angry ache of despair.”

This is the opening line of the novel. It highlights the symbolism of nature that runs throughout the novel, focusing on the seasonal structure of the work. The novel begins with winter winds and ends in June.

“The critters will teach you something new each day.”

Honey talks to Pearl as they ride to the watchtower and encounter a bird protecting its nest. This bird in their path upsets the mule Junia, which causes a delay. The animal’s discomfort foreshadows how the fire tower has been vandalized, developing the motif of animal companions.

“Don’t take much for a Blue, I remember Mama telling Papa when she thought I was out of earshot.”

Honey considers the discrimination that is faced by “the Blues,” or people with methemoglobinemia. This quote from her mother is repeated several times throughout the novel, emphasizing its importance. It is part of the theme of Othering and Sexism in Rural Kentucky—"Blues” are subject to harsher scrutiny than white people.