For most people, moving to New York City is a gesture of ambition. But for you, it signifies failure, because you grew up there, so it just means you're moving back home after you couldn't make it in the world.
-- Andrea (The Apartment)

Importance: This sentence introduces Andrea's emotional makeup, as she is listless and does not seem to have much passion for her position in life, or any excitement for the future. What is telling is her to focus on her failures rather than consider any positives in her life, and this informs her characters throughout the novel.

Let's forget it, shall we? Can we all just talk about something else, please?
-- Andrea (Andrea)

Importance: Andrea constantly attempts to avoid having to confront her issues, and the publication of a book about a single woman is another opportunity for her indulge in avoidance. While everyone around her tries to draw parallels between her life and that...