It came by mail, regular postage, the old-fashioned way since the Judge was almost eighty and distrusted modern devices.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: This opening quote gives the reader a point of reference concerning Judge Atlee’s character. He is described as being elderly and set in his ways. This opening description leads the reader to question some of the things Judge Atlee did in his later years, including amassing a great deal of cash as well as changing his will at the last minute.

What money the Judge had not given away to charities and sick children, he had poured down the black hole of Forrest’s detoxification.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: The quote describes one of the sources of Ray’s frustration toward his father. Ray calls his father’s giving to charity a vice. He also resents the money spent on Forrest’s rehabilitation because the Judge made Ray work to get through college instead...