In the center of the square stood a concrete statue of Chairman Mao, at whose feet peasants were napping.
-- Narration (N/A paragraph 3)

Importance: This line of scene description helps to establish relevant aspects of the story's setting. Although the story is set in a fictional Chinese city during an unspecified year, it is clear that the story takes place after the beginning of China's Cultural Revolution under Mao Zedong. Thus, the China of the story is characterized by the oppressive totalitarian order that Mao Zedong established.

Comrade policeman, your duty is to keep order, but you purposely tortured us common citizens. Why violate the law you are supposed to enforce?
-- Chiu (N/A paragraph 8)

Importance: Chiu says this to the police officer after the officer throws a bowl of soup at Chiu. Chiu's rhetorical question highlights his indignation while also helping to establish a central theme of the story. The police do not serve their purported mission of protecting...