... she felt a quiet hope that she was destined for something bigger. To change outcomes for all sorts of families. To find a better way to care for, and possibly even cure, the insane.
-- Ruth (Part One: Chapter One)

Importance: This establishes Ruth's goal at the beginning of the novel so that she can be challenged in the upcoming chapters. Right now, she has a bright spirit, a clear purpose, and certain that she is on the right path. This is why she is charmed by Robert because when the two first meet, Robert has the same goals as Ruth. Over time, however, Ruth will be forced to confront what caring for or curing the insane actually means. She will need to reaffirm her own goal and either follow her husband's vision, or recreate her own.

Much like Bernard, Helen didn't see the woman who was actually sitting in front of her; instead, when forced to...
-- Ruth (Chapter Four)