I ought to be allowed to arrange Nancy’s future.
-- Sapphira (chapter 1.1)

Importance: After Sapphira begins to become suspicious and hostile towards Nancy, Sapphira begins to devise ways of either persecuting Nancy or getting rid of her. When she faces resistance from Henry, she responds with the above statement. This statement succinctly highlights the fundamental lack of agency given to the victims of the slavery system. The novel consistently emphasizes the deep immorality of such a system.

Runnin’ down all times a-day an’ night, carryin’ [flowers] to him.
-- Lizzie (chapter 2.1)

Importance: Lizzie makes this statement while making mean-spirited jokes at Nancy's expense. Lizzie half-jokingly accuses Nancy of secretly having a sexual relationship with Henry. Sapphira overhears these statements, which add to her suspicions of Nancy. This dynamic demonstrates the fundamental lack of trust and communication propagated by systems of oppression and unequal power.

How much it hurt her pride no one ever knew; perhaps she did...
-- Narration (chapter 2.2)