The paradox of religion
Religion in the novel turns out to be one of the notable paradoxes. Both the Protestants and Catholics are Christians, and they worship one God, and it is common knowledge for both groups that killing is evil. However, endless conflicts between Protestant groups and Catholic loyalists end up in superfluous murders. The reader finds it satirical that groups worshiping a similar God and following the same religious teachings can have such irreconcilable differences.
The relationship between James and Lloyd
On the small Irish island, the inhabitants lead a secretive life, taking their time before fully accepting foreigners. When Lloyd first arrives on the island, his matriarch immediately disapproves of him. Ironically, James depicts a different opinion when he immediately likes Lloyd the first day he meets him. James is excited by Lloyd's paintings, and they give him a reason to think that he can do better than fishing.
Mairéad Painting
Mairéad is a young widowed woman whose action of allowing Lloyd to paint her nearly naked body surprises locals. The local women are immovably rooted in their culture, and one of the things they observe is decency. However, Mairéad does the contrary when she openly allows a foreigner to paint her naked body. The author also reveals that Mairéad has a secretive affair with Masson, and she has slept with him on one occasion, which goes against the traditions of the locals on the island.
