His technique was well established: he would let the survivors struggle over the wet stones, and regain their dignity for a while, before bringing the thundering water down on them again.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation describes David Melrose killing ants with a water hose in a rather slow and sadistic fashion. This scene is David's introduction into the story, and it foreshadows David's overall sadism and inconsideration towards other people.

Shooting men and animals were the occupations of a gentleman.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This line conveys a belief that was held firmly by David's father, an army general. David's father apparently abhorred all form of gentleness, and he valued violence and aggression. These elements of David's upbringing likely contributed to the sadism that defines David's adulthood.

When she had met David, she thought that he was the first person who really understood her. Now he was the last person she would go to for understanding...
-- Narration (chapter 1)