A hole gaped directly before her, a void where the cloth of the earth had been ripped open.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: This is the hole that Iris’ mother Mary falls down and subsequently dies in. The word choices indicate a violence with the earth described as “ripped”. This emphasizes the pain about to be experienced by Mary and Iris.

That was, in fact, what time was: a narrow container for a relentless succession of tasks.
-- Narrator (Suzanne) (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote highlights the lack of fulfillment present in Suzanne’s current life. She passes her days completing meaningless tasks, ignoring her lack of satisfaction of her own life.

Suzanne preferred to practice her strokes using the ball machine, which asked nothing of her whatsoever, not even a mild suggestion for more topspin on her backhand.
-- Narrator (chapter 7)

Importance: This highlights the quality of Suzanne’s life and the demands placed on her. Every day is filled with the demands of...