Final answer:
The novel contains various religious references, including biblical allusions, which influence the characters' views of their world and the supernatural.
Step-by-step explanation:
The novel in question contains various religious references that help provide context, meaning, and direction for the characters' lives within a framework that assumes the natural world is infused with supernatural significance. These references can be seen in the form of biblical allusions, such as the Cain and Abel-type relationship between the narrator and his brother, as well as other references to stories and characters from religious texts. The inclusion of these references suggests the influence of religion on the characters' views of their world and the supernatural.