You’re afraid the sly little things will steal your heart if they find out you have one.
-- Mireli (Chapter 1 paragraph 17)

Importance: Mireli lets the reader know how closed off and protective Armand is of his heart and feelings.

Armand sat in the rectangle marked by Suzy and thought that this woman’s trouble was pride, and that pride and life under the bridge weren’t going to work out well together.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2 paragraph 31)

Importance: Armand sits in the box that Suzy drew for him and ponders Madame Calcet’s struggle with the emotional box with which her pride confines her.

Even people who haven’t any food themselves are ready to feed the pigeons. Wish I was one.
-- Armand (Chapter 3 paragraph 8)

Importance: Armand’s comment about wishing he was a pigeon reveals, not only his desire for food, but his desired to be cared for by others.

Don’t be stupid starlings without a song in your throats. Open you...
-- Armand (Chapter 4 paragraph 11)