No, stupid.
-- John Smith (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of her final year in the doctoral program, Ingrid is finding it impossible to focus on her dissertation. Therefore, when she is working in the Chou archive on campus one day, and discovers the above words scrawled on her notes in unfamiliar handwriting, Ingrid invites the distraction. Although she has yet to learn who the note-writer is in this scene, John Smith's words catalyze Ingrid's ongoing explorations throughout the chapters to come. John Smith's note might also be interpreted as the novel's inciting event, triggering not only Ingrid's investigation into who John and Chou really are, but her search for self along the way.

Much like tenure, marriage would offer her a deliciously concrete sense of security.
-- Narrator (chapter 3)

Importance: One afternoon while sitting in the local café distracting herself from her dissertation, Ingrid writes a list of possible career alternatives for herself. Because she cannot imagine finishing...