The novel uses repetition to suggest that characters are biologically and socially conditioned to partake in certain behaviors. Just as Maria repeats a nonsensical phrase after saying her name, Zerkow is compelled to make Maria repeat her story, which fuels his greed. Indeed, Maria’s story is almost certainly fabricated—though she might believe it is real—given her present circumstances. Still, the story forms a perverse bond between the two characters, perhaps foreshadowing the development of a twisted sort of romance between them.