Henry’s employment as a librarian could be seen as ironic, or when something is the opposite of what’s expected. A library, in addition to being a storehouse of books, is humankind’s attempt at organizing time in ways that make it accessible across generations. Henry’s work at the library also could represent his need to find stability in his life where there is otherwise chaos, especially as it relates to time. Being a librarian affords Henry the opportunity to construct order, on a literal level and figurative level.

Henry is like an angel. Clare adores him, but he always remains somewhat elusive due to his inability to stay glued in time. Henry’s quoting of Rilke—“Every angel is terrifying—” foreshadows when Henry loses his feet, and Clare sculpts an angel that represents him (77). While generally angels are often beneficent, they don’t exist in the human realm and represent something we do not entirely understand. There is always something mysterious about them, thus their potential to terrify. Henry’s presence in Clare’s life has a similar dynamic. He is a gift to her as well as a force of upheaval.