Children needed discipline and boundaries.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: After Tony slaps his daughter across the face for making fun of his American accent, his wife Kim reprimands him for his temper. Rather than admitting that he let his anger get the best of him, Tony argues in his own defense. Indeed, because Tony feels powerless over his new American reality, he tries to claim an illusory sense of control in his home and family spheres. He insists that Tammy needs discipline, when in reality, Tony simply wants control and respect.

He was even more afraid to come out now.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: In Oliver's first chapter of the novel, Oliver is weighed by guilt and shame for what his grandfather did. Whereas his grandfather used other people, Oliver is convinced he has more integrity and moral character. However, when he sees Clara get attacked by a mugger, he simply stands at the door and watches. His...