The Blackthorn Key

"To be an apothecary, you must understand this: The recipe is everything."

Christopher's early reflection illustrates that being an apothecary requires numerous skills. Because it relies on recipes, it requires a level of precision and care, showing the responsibility inherent in the job. Furthermore, the coding of recipes proves to be an important plot device as Christopher later works to decipher his master's notes on the ledger page; this quote foreshadows that event.

“‘You know,’ Tom said, ‘things you have to light from far away probably shouldn't be lit at all.’”

Tom often tempers Christopher's natural recklessness with warnings such as this one. In doing so, he shows the differences between the two boys and keeps the reader aware of the potential dangers in various activities. This further increases the tension, as Christopher often proceeds regardless of Tom's words.

“The blast nearly blew my ears off. I saw a burst of flame, and a mound of smoke, then the pipe kicked back like an angry ox and nailed me right between the legs."

Christopher experiences the consequences of his recklessness in creating gunpowder unsupervised when the explosion in the apothecary shop goes wrong. This is the first of several occasions where his actions lead him to injury. In addition, this early event with relatively low stakes shows the great power that the "simple" substances in the apothecary shop can have when combined.