“When humans copy nature, they get the pattern wrong. Real leaves don't look like this. Every leaf on a tree is different, but these are all the same...I think humans want nature's pattern to be the same...So they can understand it.”
Audrey directs the statement at Helen while examining the leaf patterns on porcelain plates as they are dissimilar to real leaves. The conflict that exists in their universe stems from the callousness humans had towards nature hence its destruction. Henceforth the South marginalizes the North in order for them not to destroy the nature they are attempting to recover. The statement expresses how humans did not and still do not understand nature, therefore, disconnected from it. This disconnection is shown through the sentiments of the Northern populace however the younger ones like Audrey intend to bring back the reconnection.
“Who survives in a world of chaos is decided by so many complex variables, it's impossible to predict, no matter how hard you try.”
Kobi contemplates these words during the imminent confrontation between the North and the South. The assertion illustrates the uncertainty they harbor due to the unpredictability of their world and the people thereof. It further expresses how certain happenings are dictated by variables that are not easily comprehended due to the complicated nature of a conflict. The situation between the North and the South is one that entails complex variables in that the South feels obligated to protect nature by secluding the North. Whereas the Northerners feel marginalized and oppressed because of this decision once they find out the truth. The interests of both sides feel noble enough and that is why the children’s army intends to resolve the conflict amicably without war.
“And I think it's dangerous to forget we are controlled by instincts...It makes us do things without understanding why. It makes us destructive, angry, and cruel.”
As a resident of the South, Helen has read enough books and materials to know why humans brought down destruction upon themselves. She points out that human survival was always dependent on their instincts however with the technological revolution they abandoned this notion. Therefore the new inventions were meant to fulfill the obligation that humans should have left to their instincts. Consequently, humans disconnected from nature since they were battling against it, their decisions becoming dependent on their inventions. Since this goes against human survival, destruction and cruelty follow hence the fate that befell humanity in the narrative.
