But that's why Willard was built. It was supposed to be a place for the incurably mad who were taking up space in poorhouses and jails.
-- Peg (Chapter 1 paragraph 21)

Importance: Peg sets in motion at the very start of the book the once noble purpose of Willard prior to its descent into institutional madness of its own kind. Because the reader only experiences the darkest hours of Willard rather than these loftier, earliest times in Willard's existence, Peg's words remind that Willard was not designed to be exploitative of its patients, but rather, it fell into such practices slowly, over time, without anyone the wiser for the degeneration.

Your place is here, at home, learning how to cook and care for children, not out gallivanting all over the city!
-- Henry (Chapter 2 paragraph 7)

Importance: Henry, Clara's father, is not just a traditionalist, but would be considered a sexist by today's standards. Of course, for the 1920s and in reaction...