Granted

“Wishes are made in moments of wonder and desperation. Wishes are prayers without a salutation and minus an amen.”

This quote highlights that the nature of wishes is hard to pin down. The narrator continually defines wishes in multiple terms, and often in opposites. For instance, they are created in “wonder and desperation,” and they are simultaneously miraculous and ordinary. This emphasizes that wishes are different things, depending on who is making the wish. The are spontaneous and lack a defined structure, making them personal expressions of longing and hope.

“But if anything could be said of Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, it would be that she was always prepared, that she worried over every minor detail. Some fairies called her fussy. She preferred the word meticulous.”

This quote introduces Ophelia’s character traits. It shows that she likes to plan things thoroughly, pay attention to details, and be cautious. Ophelia also thinks highly of herself, interpreting negative remarks in a positive light. The quote foreshadows future events in the novel, which will show that Excessive Rigidity Results in Chaos. This quote hints that Ophelia’s reliance on preparedness and planning might not always lead to success.

“Sometimes it’s best if you have to count only on yourself, even if it means you will have only yourself to blame.”

Ophelia faces several challenges in the narrative due to her reluctance to trust and depend on others. While self-reliance can be a positive trait, Ophelia tends to take it to the extreme. She finds it hard to accept advice from others without first confirming it herself. This also makes it hard for Ophelia to feel like she belongs anywhere, which is why she clings to her role as a Granter since it makes her feel important and necessary.