Supernatural presence is a recurring idea in the story. There are at least four instances of supernatural presence in the novel: First when Ginny hears the voice calling to her from the trees while she is being stalked by the rabid dog. Again when she is feverish and can see the light from the Holy Spirit reflected through the ice at her window. Again when she miscarries the baby and feels the devil's presence like a bat swooping around her bedroom, and again before Tom dies when Ginny hears the knocking on the walls of the house.