The closest possible source was a lonely chapel about four kilometers southwest on the old Hochmeiss estate but not only did that have no bell but the tower had collapsed during the war…And in any case they did not sound distant to him, these ringing-booming bells...
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: These lines of narration appear in the opening scene. Futaki awakes one morning to the sound of tolling bells, despite the fact that there are no bell towers nearby. This surreal event is repeated at the end of the novel, when the doctor hears the sourceless ringing of bells. These events may have various symbolic significances, such as the inherent absurdity and unnerving uncertainty of life.

…it must be a conspiracy...
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: In the opening chapter, Futaki meets with a few of the other villagers to discuss fleeing from the village. They become frightened and paranoid when Mrs. Halics, a nosy neighbor, arrives to...