Like a tiny looking glass inside my mind, I saw all of Father’s blood, a meal, the leftovers from a wild dog’s feast. The scraps of skin on his chest, his eye resting on his shoulder. His body the Book of the Apocalypse. ‘Someone came in and cut him,’ I said.”
-- Lizzie (chapter 1)

Importance: This is the first look the true horror of Andrew's murder from Lizzie's perspective. Though the novel begins with Lizzie viewing her father's dead body this is the first insight given as to how that affects her. Schmidt's reference to "the Book of the Apocalypse" suggests just how much Andrew's death has impacted Lizzie and the way that his murders looms over the rest of the story.

The train went further down the track. Further still. Further still. The telegram in my lap the entire time: Father hurt. Mrs. Borden missing. A terrible accident. Come home.”
-- Emma (chapter 2)

Importance: This...