“There was one question, however, which Inciarte had asked him and he could not answer. Why was it that he had lived while others had died? What purpose had God in making this selection? What sense could be made out of it? ‘None,’ replied Father Andrés. ‘There are times when the will of God cannot be understood by our human intelligence. There are things which in all humility we must accept as a mystery.”
This quotation explores the fact that some characters questioned their faith due to the extreme suffering they faced. One character here is questioning why some had died while he survived. However, ultimately this quote restores faith, saying that the will of God cannot be understood by humans.
“Oh, God," he prayed once again, "by all means test us to the limit of our endurance, but please make it humanly possible to go on. Please let there be some sort of path."
This quotation again suggests the importance of religion in this novel. This character is praying to God to help him to survive, and to show him the way. This quote also opens up a reading of suffering being a test.
"Nothing broke the monotonous ascent of these brittle mountains except snow."
This quote explores the extreme setting of the novel. The landscape is freezing and covered in snow, making it a very difficult place to survive. The monotony of the landscape suggests that the landscape is barren, and the group will it difficult to find food or help.
"The Seventh day, October 29, passed quite well for those stranded. They were still cold, wet, dirty and hungry, and some were in great pain".
The hardship the group suffers is described here. Not only were the survivors cold due to the extreme weather conditions, but they were also hungry and thirsty. Additionally, many were injured.
