I’m not long for this world. My days of grace are far spent. At the end of a life, memories are clouded. But perhaps with what I’m about to say, you will know why I did what I did. Whether you forgive me or not will be up to you.”
-- Jacob (Pages 18 - 83)

Importance: Jacob begins the novel on a somber note and simultaneously communicates the ardent hope he has of writing a letter to his son. While he was often a domineering father who wanted Isaac to follow in his footsteps and model masculinity in the right way, he acknowledges his lack of control in changing his son's mind now, later in life. He allows Isaac space to hear him, to see him, and ultimately to make a decision about forgiveness on his own terms.

Let me start with this: love wasn’t a requirement of men in my day. It...
-- Jacob (Pages 18 - 83)