The List

“Ark need less words… Words no good. Words bring trouble.”

Letta overhears Carver talking to her “master.” The effect of the stunted speech is jarring, as is the negative sentiment towards words. Carver is able to state Noa’s agenda in this primitive fashion, which prioritizes function over aesthetics.

“Nothing wasted, nothing lost. John Noa’s mantra, Benjamin’s mantra. If the day came that man ever needed language again, Ark would be ready.”

Letta marvels at Benjamin’s library, which has every word anyone knows. At this point, she believes that she and Benjamin are working to preserve words. Nothing is lost, because she and Benjamin are the stewards of words, and therefore, of the thoughts that those words can express. 

“There’s always truth in dreams. Don’t you know that? We have to learn what they mean, that’s all.”

Marlo describes his dream of being a hare to Letta. When she says it’s just a dream, he says that no dream is without significance. It is the job of the dreamer to draw the correct conclusions from the dream, not to dismiss them as mere accidents. Marlo interprets his instincts and dreams as clues that guide him. He does not resist his own feelings in favor of guidance from Noa’s doctrine.