Luckily the Spaniards wrote buckets about the Azteca civilization before they blew it to buttons and used its stones for their churches.
-- Harry (Part 1, “Mexico City, 1930”)

Importance: A young Harry reflects on the fallen Azteca empire and the fact that Spanish written documents allow people like him to learn about what happened. This reflects what Harry himself does for the likes of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky: he records for history the events he witnesses so that people in the future can have greater insight into what happened.

Harry. Harry Shepherd looked out the window. Whoever pays the bill, names the boy.
-- Harry (Part 2)

Importance: When he first arrives in the United States, his father refers to him as “Harry” when they meet, and this becomes one of the names Harry is referred to as. This quotation reflects Harry’s lack of ability or desire to define himself, always allowing others to dictate to him who...