Scarborough,’ Mrs. Flanders wrote on the envelope…it was her native town; the hub of the universe.
-- Mrs. Flanders (chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation serves multiple narrative functions, including developing Betty Flanders’ character and filling in some of her backstory. Betty Flanders, although wealthy, has been content so live a simple life, never relocating from the town of her birth. Betty’s attitude conveyed in this quote also serves to contrast with the later development of Jacob’s cosmopolitanism and desire to travel.

Mrs. Jarvis was just the sort of woman to lose her faith upon the moors—to confound her God with the universal that is—but she did not lose her faith, did not leave her husband.
-- Narration (chapter 2)

Importance: This quotation helps to develop Mrs. Jarvis’ character while also developing the moor’s a narrative symbol. Mrs. Jarvis has a rather romantic sensibility, and yet she feels restrained by her domestic obligations. The moors, meanwhile...