The paralysis is quite temporary, though good luck trying to convince Charlotte of that.
-- Narrator (Nirvana paragraph 2)

Importance: In “Nirvana”, the narrator sums up his wife’s situation succinctly. He knows his wife doesn’t believe her paralysis is only temporary, and he is worried she may try to commit suicide. This becomes a quest for the narrator through the story, to find a way to avert any potential suicide. He ultimately does this through a projection of Kurt Cobain.

I wonder if the first lady was the one to turn off the machine.
-- Narrator (Nirvana paragraph 51)

Importance: Contemplating life, death, love, and marriage, the narrator wonders about the assassinated president and his marriage. He wonders if the First Lady was the one who decided to take the president off life support, and wonders whether he might be able to do the same if he was in that situation with Charlotte. The narrator knows Charlotte will soon be...