The purport was, that, at some future day, a child should be born hereabouts, who was destined to become the greatest and noblest personage of his time, and whose countenance, in manhood, should bear an exact resemblance to the Great Stone Face.
-- Narration (N/A)

Importance: This line of narration explains the parameters of the prophecy, and it also introduces a thematic focus on the idea of greatness. Throughout the story, the narrative introduces characters who represent different supposed forms of greatness. The story then deconstructs most of these forms in order to establish a more specific and humble conception of greatness.

…the wrinkled shrewdness of that sordid visage…
-- Narration (N/A)

Importance: These words are used to describe the face of Mr. Gathergold as seen by Ernest. This specific description highlights the way in which Gathergold's personal greed and avarice manifest in a visible form on his face. This pattern then repeats throughout the story as Ernest...