Anna frowns at the chessboard, at the constellation of battered pieces on their cream oak square. This set, Max has told her, belonged to his father, and his father before him. One of the original black pawns has vanished, replaced by a stub of charcoal and the queen is missing her crown. She is also boxed into a corner.”
-- Narrator (chapter 2 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote is significant as it describes Anna in her relationship with Max. Although she does not agree with the laws of the Reich, she is forced to live by them. In breaking the laws she is viewed as tainted and criminal by those in power. In her relationship with Max, she craftfully avoids submission to those in power for as long as she can. However she knows that even in doing so, she is “backed in a corner,” powerless against the pervasive German government.

It amazes Anna: she spends much...
-- Narrator (chapter 5 paragraph 11)