Ayoola summons me with these words—Korede, I killed him. I had hoped I would never hear those words again.
-- Korede (Narration) (Words)

Importance: These lines of narration are the opening lines of the book and constitute the novel's entire first chapter. They give the reader a stark and sudden introduction into the novel's premise, while also evoking Korede's sense of dread and responsibility. Moreover, the dry presentation of these dark ideas introduces the darkly satirical edge of the novel's tone.

Korede, teach your sister [how to cook]. How will she look after her husband if she cannot cook?
-- Mother (Efo)

Importance: This command form Korede and Ayoola's mother emphasizes her fixation on the idea of her daughters finding husbands. Moreover, the specific articulation of the command emphasizes the idea of female subservience, as the mother expects her daughters to be domestic and subservient to their hypothetical future husbands.

Too soon, Ayoola. Way too soon.
-- Korede (Efo)

Importance: Korede says...