“I don’t believe in ghosts, but I am afraid of them.”
This statement embodies one of the core paradoxes within Thomas Hart's character—his simultaneous adherence to reason and his deep fears. The quote appears when Thomas is recalling his childhood encounter with the “Lowlands ghost.” Described as a woman with a half-broken neck who curses those who see her, it signifies loneliness, rejection, and societal exclusion. This ghost embodies the very things Thomas fears most—being isolated, unloved, and invisible. Throughout the novel, he is haunted by his unrequited love for James Bower and the loneliness that stems from this unspoken attachment. Just as the ghost is unseen, Thomas’ feelings for James are a secret that lingers in the background of his life. Perry uses the imagery of the ghost to explore how unresolved relationships and repressed emotions can haunt a person. Thomas is a man deeply rooted in rationality whose job is to report facts. Yet, his fear of ghosts highlights the complexity of human psychology.
“I have no interest in astronomy. This comet could crash through the window and land on the carpet and I’d have nothing to say about it.”
This quote reflects Hart’s sense of existential disillusionment and emotional detachment. The comet—an astronomical event of cosmic importance—is a potent symbol of awe and the grandeur of the universe. However, Thomas’ reaction to it reveals his disconnect from these sources of wonder. His apathy towards the comet underscores his withdrawal from intellectual curiosity and emotional engagement. At this point, he seems almost resigned to the mundanity of his life. The comet also serves as a subtle metaphor for the things Thomas ignores in his personal life—his feelings, relationships, and his past. As he dismisses the comet as irrelevant, he also dismisses the possibility of emotional or personal growth. Thomas’ disdain for the comet also ties into his complex relationship with science and faith. Throughout the novel, Perry draws a contrast between scientific understanding (the laws of astronomy) and emotional or spiritual understanding (faith, love, and grief).
"I write everything down... It is how I make sense of things."
Thomas’ compulsion to write down everything reflects his attempt to impose structure and logic on his life. Writing is a way to organize the chaotic thoughts and feelings that he cannot otherwise articulate or understand. Through writing, he attempts to impose meaning on events that feel senseless, particularly in his relationship with James. His unspoken love for James, his intellectual struggles, and his grappling with scientific ideas—all these things become manageable when put into words. This line also connects with the theme of storytelling in the novel. The novel is a story about stories—about how we construct narratives to understand others, the world, and ourselves. For Thomas, it also becomes a prison of sorts—his reliance on words and intellectualization prevents him from living or experiencing life.
