I began to feel, with pleasure, that I was far beyond my margins.
-- Elena (chapter 5 paragraph 2)

Importance: Elena uses the word "margins" many times in this novel. There is an idea of mixing boundaries and pushing unimportant things aside that is prevalent. In this case, she refers to being away from her former life with Pietro and her daughters.

I'll take what's mine, and I musn't live in fear of losing Nino, I mustn't worry about Dede and Elsa. I'm fortunate, he will always love me, my daughters are my daughters, everything will work out.
-- Elena (chapter 5 paragraph 2)

Importance: This sentiment is uttered early in the novel, when Elena ultimately pushes aside all thoughts of reality in lieu of what she hopes and believes will be true. The narrative bears out that things do not happen as she wishes they will.

It was humiliating to admit that a little fame, and love for Nino, could obscure Dede and...
-- Elena (chapter 17 paragraph 3)