In her presence he found his happiness, and through her, his life.
-- Francis Darwin (Chapter 1: Better Than a Dog)

Importance: This quote sums up the main thesis of the book - that because of their partnership and family, Charles was able to attain his success in life. This quote is at the beginning of the book, before the first chapter. Heiligman uses various quotes from letters or other books to verify her arguments, and as Frank helped to write and publish his father’s autobiography, this quote ultimately verifies her book and sets the tone for the rest of it.

Better than a dog anyhow.”
-- Charles Darwin (Chapter 1: Better Than a Dog)

Importance: This quote from Charles represents one of the main themes, and one of the most prominent symbols - the Marry/Not Marry List. Heiligman creates a scene of Charles thinking this to himself in Chapter 1, also titled “Better Than a Dog,” while thinking about the potential companionship of a wife (5). Dogs and animals...