It is, perhaps, easier to dismiss a man whose face gives no indication of an inner life.
-- The Narrator

Importance: Looking back on his initial impression of Raif, the narrator concludes that an outward lack of emotional expression leads people to dismiss the possibility of depth of internal emotions. This observation by the narrator reveals the success of Raif’s method of isolating himself from others: by remaining neutral on the surface, he succeeded in convincing others that there was nothing much happening within him, allaying his fears of self-expression and self-revelation, but with the cost of utter isolation.

Putting the key into the lock of the top drawer, a chill went through me. For now I realized I was sitting in the chair that Raif Efendi had occupied for many long years, and doing something he himself had done several times a day.
-- The Narrator

Importance: The narrator returns to the office to collect Raif...