...at that moment he turned into a weird creature, wild, concurrently young and old, dying and newborn. My father became a myth.
-- William (Narration) (Prologue)

Importance: This line of narration in the prologue establishes the novel's narrative conceit of examining Edward's life in terms of mythical tropes and ideas. Moreover, because the prologue is specifically written from William's perspective, the idea of Edward as myth parallels the mythical space that many parents may occupy in the perspective of their children.

He was a big fish, even then.
-- William (Narration) (Part I)

Importance: This line of narration refers to the fact that as a boy in Ashland, Edward performed exceptionally well in both athletic and academic pursuits. Thus, it was apparent early on that Edward was, in a way, destined to leave Ashland behind in search of supposedly greater things.

I wanted to be a great man.
-- Edward (Part I)

Importance: Edward says this to William while trying to explain the various actions and...