The spikes of the portcullis frowned above in threatening array, but a wreath of ivy was twining up the groove by which it had once descended, and the archway, which by day stood hospitably open, was at night only guarded by two large oaken doors, yielding to a slight push.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: The novel begins by establishing a sense of place, before introducing the people who live there. The personification of the building – with frowning spikes and hospitable archway – enlivens the description while planting the idea that this peaceful scene will soon come under threat. The image of the ivy, in combination with the menacing portcullis, is an early example of nature and war appearing in juxtaposition. While the creeping ivy suggests the passing of time, the novel invites us into this particular moment in history, by leading us up to doors that will open at a “slight push.”

All goes ill...
-- Eleanor (chapter 1)