The streets often became so narrow I could make no progress without my bag or my elbow scraping one rough wall or another.
-- Narrator

Importance: In this passage from the story's opening passages, Fletcher vividly describes the village through which he is attempting to navigate. Fletcher's description of the village streets illustrates the ways in which he sees himself. He describes the village as too small and cramped for his impressive figure. This passage foreshadows the coming revelations about Fletcher's past and present relationships to the town, and his refusal to embrace humility.

There were other, far more important figures.
-- Fletcher

Importance: While conversing with the young girl in the street, Fletcher is determined to clarify her impressions of his contemporaries, particularly David Maggis. Instead of speaking kindly about his former friend, Fletcher is quick to disparage him in an attempt to inflate his own character and reputation. This moment reveals Fletcher's profound arrogance...