The occasion rested heavily upon Marija’s broad shoulders—it was her task to see that all things went in due form, and after the best home traditions; and, flying wildly hither and thither, bowling every one out of the way, and scolding and exhorting all day with her tremendous voice, Marija was too eager to see that others conformed to the proprieties to consider them herself.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote describes the boisterous personality of Marija, an important character in the novel. This quote describes Marija as she celebrates at the wedding of Jurgis, the main character, and Ona.

It was not for himself that he suffered—what did a man who worked in Durham’s fertilizer mill care about anything that the world might do to him!
-- Narrator (Chapter 16 paragraph 6)

Importance: This quote illustrates Jurgis's dedication to his wife and family and his desire to make the money they need no matter what it...