I think the three quotes, in French, German, and English are intended to add a special significance to Porter's artistic vision. In keeping with the 'voyage to eternity' idea she mentions in her short note before the tale begins. It's almost as if the author is pointing out a bigger picture than the one she presents in dramatic form. None of the major characters, it seems to me, is without Haus or Heimat, despite the exclusivity some are preaching. Aren't they all coming from or going home? I don't see 'heimatlos' as a theme in the book, unlike, for example the alienation, prejudice, bigotry, intolerance, chauvinism, and self-delusion so rampant among these people.
But I can hear the author singing these lines to herself in the course of her long life's journey.
You always were a good swimmer, Pat.
Jude, I can appreciate what you say about Ric and Rac. Especially the observation that these two small children 'are almost animals in human form.' And isn't animal behavior a constant theme throughout the book? They are constantly calling each other animals, or the narrator is pinning animal labels on them. Here are some I've seen: cats, dogs, parrots, monkeys, serpents, pigs, goats, gorgons, frogs, wildcats, ostriches, rats, crows, fauns, kittens, buzzards, and that peahen Fraulein Lizzi.
This crowd should sail off the edge of the world. Except for Herr Lowenthal. The Lion.
