You think a black man gets a good job in this country by sitting in front of white people and telling the truth? Please, don’t make me laugh.
-- Winston (chapter 3)

Importance: This quote, in which Winston tells Jende how he got the chauffeur job, highlights the importance of race in America. Winston believes that Black men are disenfranchised by their race and can only achieve success by compensating with lies.

Why did you come to America if your town is so beautiful
-- Clark (chapter 6)

Importance: This discussion between Clark and Jende highlights the strength of the ‘American Dream’ to Jende and other immigrants. To Jende, even the joys in his home country cannot compare with the idealized image of America.

For the first time since Bubakar told Jende about the possible deportation, she was hopeful. Until the day she left the country, she was going to keep believing that she and her family had a...
-- Narrator on Neni (chapter 10)