Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses murder, sexual harassment, sexual assault, child abuse, and trauma.

“Nothing ever happens in sleepy little Fairhill, Vermont. Until it does.”

The opening lines of the text set up the suspense for the novel to follow and establish the importance of the setting. It is a small town that will be greatly impacted by the events of the novel, introducing from the very beginning the theme of The Impact of Tragedy on Communities.

“One stares malevolently at him, face bloodied, but the other is busy feeding, head down, ripping at flesh. The dog sticks closer to the tractor.”

The personification of the vultures and their “malevolent” stare establishes their symbolic importance, as they will later be compared to people in the novel. Additionally, the imagery created by the vivid description sets a tone of anger, violence, and disgust—all of which are prevalent throughout the text.

“It feels like she’s slamming the lid down on Pandora’s box far too late. All the evils of the world are already out there for them to see, to participate in, with the touch of a finger. Even here in their quiet, friendly little town.”

Although Paula is specifically talking about technology, she is acknowledging the horror and danger that exist in the world—much of which her students are secluded from in Fairhill. “Pandora’s box” is an allusion to Greek mythology; Pandora was the first human woman created, and she was overwhelmed by her curiosity and chose to open a container, unleashing evil upon humanity. Today, it is an idiom that relates to people letting their curiosity get the best of them and facing the consequences of acting on it.