Dava did not expect to howl with laughter after reading her obituary. But she had been lying awake in bed since dawn, alternating between giddiness and anxiety as she speculated how the story would break.”
-- Narrator (1 )

Importance: The author makes it clear from the beginning that Dava has manipulated the situation so that she will read what others write about her death. She hopes to read articles about her success as a business woman and her impact on the world. This need to control everything is an inherent part of her nature, though this does not all work out as she planned.

Dontcha think it's ironic that Mom is obsessed with her name being passed on to the next generation without considering the planet might not survive past them?”
-- Arvie (2 )

Importance: While Arvie may be melodramatic with this statement, he is making the point that Dava has tried to control many aspects of their...