The infant, named Margaret, had hair on her headThick and wild as a fire, and three times as red.The midwife, a brawny and capable whelper,Gave one look and crossed herself. “God above help her,”She whispered, but gave the new mother a smile,“A big, healthy girl. Now you rest for a while … (Chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote shows the state of affairs at the time Margaret was born and that the midwife knew she was going to have a difficult life.

She screamed in her face, then she shook her, she slapped her.‘Don’t dare close your eyes, Miss. We’re nowhere near through.I asked you, now tell me. Just. What. Did. You. DO?
-- Margaret's mother (Chapter 2 paragraph 1)

Importance: The quote is important because it shows Margaret's mother's lack of concern for her daughter and her choice to take Frankie over her own child.

You have scads more talent, beyond any otherKid I...
-- Clifford's mother (Chapter 3 paragraph 6)