It seems unlikely, when I’m at work, that we had a child and it is Lanny.
-- Robert (Narration) (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration constitutes Robert's first reference to Lanny in the book. Robert immediately establishes his sense of alienation both from Lanny and from the village. Robert appears to be most comfortable at work in London, away from his family. This dynamic parallels the feelings of alienation felt by the other central human characters in the novel.

[Toothwort] has been in story form in every bedroom of every house of this place…He is in them like water…They build new homes…and he pops up adapted.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration helps to establish Toothwort as a being defined by his essential connections to the village and to England. Not only does his physical form evolve alongside the setting, but he is part of the country's cultural landscape. Toothwort is arguably the...