You have brought the dowry, sir?’ Until that moment I had believed it was me the Mehta family wanted; now it seemed that what they care for most was the dowry.
-- Mr. Mehta; Koly (Chapter 1 paragraph 28)

Importance: This is the first time Koly meets Mr. Mehta, and it sets the stage for the remainder of the story. The Mehtas are only interested in the money, and they have actually tricked Koly’s family by not telling them that Hari is near death. They use the dowry money to take Hari to a holy city, hoping he’ll be cured there.

I thought I might be able to endure one day in my new home and perhaps two, but I did not see how I could live there for the rest of my life.
-- Koly (Chapter 1 paragraph 71)

Importance: Koly is laying the groundwork for the miserable existence she has to look forward to. She’s correct in her assessment of the...