Instead, they had taken to walking single file on family outings, like unhappy ducks in a storybook, with Rose bringing up the rear.”
-- Narrator (chapter 1 paragraph 8)

Importance: This is talking about Mort's family when there are only the three daughters in the house. The metaphor of the family's walking habit symbolizes Mort's determination to lead the family. The fact that they are all “unhappy” is a sign of how the family interacts.

With every daughter she bore, he seemed to desire her less, and he was a little less kind. Over the years, she had grown used to the lack of interest he showed in both her and the girls.”
-- Narrator (chapter 7 paragraph 6)

Importance: The “she” of this quote is Rose, and the “he” is Mort. This is an example of the relationship between Rose and Mort, which has been terrible because Mort is indifferent to his family other than trying to control them. Mort and Rose believe...