I loved Emma, and I’d told her so, and I wouldn’t leave her behind for anything. And not because I was noble or brave or chivalrous. I’m not any of those things. I was afraid that leaving her behind would rip me in half.
-- Jacob (Chapter 1 paragraph 53)

Importance: As the novel opens, Jacob and Emma are in pursuit of Caul’s Wights who have kidnapped their friends. The love that Jacob and Emma share for one another is clear as they come to depend on each other in their struggle. Jacob admits that not having Emma by his side would rip him in half, evidence of how the love between them completes him and motivates him. This is in keeping with the theme of Love in the novel.

Miracle. Curse. I hadn’t quite worked out the difference.
-- Jacob (Chapter 1 paragraph 116)

Importance: Jacob’s status as a peculiar with special powers has been the source...