The household prayed for the duke, who so wanted an heir, and a few remembered to pray for the duchess, who had grown thin and frail even as her belly had grown round and wide.
-- Narrator (Prologue)

Importance: The quote demonstrates the idea in Victorian society that males were the superior sex. Even though Simon’s mother was bedridden during her pregnancy because she had lost five babies previously. She becomes so weak that she dies shortly after Simon is born. While she is sacrificing herself to give the duke an heir, the majority of the people are in prayer for the duke.

And he’s an idiot!’ Hastings roared. ‘A goddamned, bloody little idiot!
-- Hastings (Prologue)

Importance: Simon does not speak until he is four years old when his father threatens to beat him and make him talk. When Simon speaks with a stutter, Hastings declares that Simon is an idiot.

And, as hatred flooded...
-- Narrator (Prologue)