“From here, the sand was immaculate. The light—the famous light—made it all look honeyed and mild: the dark European green of the scrub trees, the dune grasses that moved in whispery unison. The cars in the parking lot. Even the seagulls swarming a trash can.”

In this quote, Cline uses imagery and personification to highlight the natural beauty of the Hamptons, which is beautiful in part because wealthy people have the means to keep it that way. Alex is moved by the beauty of this environment, which contrasts sharply with the mess she’s made of her life. While Alex’s life is defined by immediate and serious conflicts, her surroundings are incongruously lovely, tranquil, and secure.

“In the water, she was just like everyone else. Nothing strange about a young woman, swimming alone. No way to tell whether she belonged here or didn’t.”

Bodies of water are an important symbol of inclusion in the novel. Water is an equalizing space in which Alex can feel light, powerful, and in touch with her body. This quote introduces water’s symbolism and the connection Alex feels with bodies of water.

“A system that existed only because everyone believed they were among people like themselves.”

As an outsider in an exclusive, seemingly homogenous environment, Alex can see what insiders do not: They are not in fact surrounded only by people like themselves. Throughout the novel, Alex takes advantage of the wealthy class’s naive trust to infiltrate their closed-off world.