They seemed needy for something only he could give, and he was willing.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: At the start of the novel, Del thrives as a bachelor. In this passage, the narrator is describing his relationships with women. Because Del is charming and attractive, he has no trouble seducing the wives of his coworkers. This passage conveys Del's perception of himself. However, these lines also foreshadow Del's coming loss of virility following the corn bin incident. Indeed, in the wake of the near-death experience, Del has to reconstruct his entire sense of self, particularly in regards to his sexual and romantic exploits.

It was her first real home.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: Although Warren Cobb is not the sort of man Rae Lynn envisioned herself marrying, over the course of her courtship with him, she realizes that he can give her the life she has longed for. Indeed, marrying Warren and creating a life together in Harnett...