“All I know for sure is that the next twenty-four hours will forever change the course of my life."
This quote serves the define the function of this fifth novel in the seven-part series: it heightens the sense of urgency and increases the stakes. This twenty-four-hour period leads to some dramatic changes in the world, and Michael's uncertainty reflects the uncertain mood of the Electroclan as they try to figure out what has happened and what they can do to stop worse things from happening.
“I’m thinking Dr. Hatch might be planning on punishing us, too ... He might feed one of us to the rats. Just to send a message that no one's immune."
At this moment, Quentin realizes what has been foreshadowed since the first novel: Hatch's loyalty to his Glows is simply a strategic one, and he could turn against them for no better reason than to ensure the loyalty of others. He realizes that Hatch would be willing to kill any of them, and this realization sows the seeds of rebellion and solidarity in all of Hatch's Glows; there will soon be conflict between them and their master.
“Why is it that good always has to fight an uphill battle?”
In this quote, Taylor is pointing out a characteristic of good vs. evil struggles; since evil and corruption are natural elements of society, it takes active effort to purify them. The struggle of good to overcome evil is a harder one than that of evil trying to corrupt good. Because of limitations, good has to work harder to defeat evil, since evil has no moral boundaries. The work of good can appear to be “an uphill battle” because of its difficulty and seeming endlessness.
