She closes her eyes, breathes in the metal essence of her own blood as it exits the hole the bullet has created.
-- Narration (1, "Trouble Swallowing")

Importance: This line of narration is close to the opening of the novel. It begins to develop the narrative frame of the story, the framing point being the protagonist's death. The circumstances of her death (murdered by police in her driveway) become clearer as the novel progresses. However, at first, the reader receives only the minimal, visceral information that she has been shot and is bleeding to death. This visceral framing adds to the novel's overall sense of tragedy and urgency.

Y’all best be getting back to where you came from, you hear? No need to overstay your welcome.
-- Neighbor (2, "Moving Day in the Ordinary World")

Importance: An unspecified neighbor made this statement to the protagonist. This line of dialogue is part of a litany of similar lines, where the white neighbors utilize a friendly tone...