Anson was the eldest of six children who would some day divide a fortune of fifteen million dollars, and he reached the age of reason–is it seven?
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 2)

Importance: This quote is important because it demonstrates the fallibility of the narrator. Since the narrator is a character in this story, it is important for Fitzgerald to establish that the narrator has a personality, and that his recollection of the events of the story is not perfect. This creates a more immersive story.

He and I first met in the late summer of 1917 when he was just out of Yale, and, like the rest of us, was swept up into the systematized hysteria of the war.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote demonstrates some of the socio-political commentary that Fitzgerald has included in his story. Describing the war using the oxymoron, 'systematized hysteria,' presents the war as chaotic, poorly planned, and unnecessary.

He need say...
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 6)