All my life I had wanted to get out. I was unoriginal in this—all the Tasked felt the same.
-- Hiram (narration) (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote establishes the basic need for freedom that all humans have, and that all slaves felt so keenly while living lives of bondage and forced servitude. This persistent need for freedom is further underscored by the various conditions of servitude. Regardless of whether Hiram is performing painful labor in the fields or is performing less demanding labor in Howell's house, his desire for freedom remains.

It was natural that I love her. It is natural for a man and woman to make family.
-- Old man (chapter 10)

Importance: This line is spoken by the unnamed old man who is Hiram's cellmate at Ryland's Jail. The old man recalls how, after his son was sold to another plantation, the old man formed a romantic/sexual relationship with the son's wife. The son eventually returned, and...