Veblen felt troubled, as if rushing toward a disaster. But was it of a personal nature, or worldwide? She wanted to stop time.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This ominous piece of narration establishes the recurring idea of Veblen’s trepidation regarding her engagement and approaching marriage. Despite feeling so excited and in love, she cannot help but feel that there is some disaster approaching. This feeling becomes more relevant as the flaws in her relationship with Paul begin to reveal themselves. However, this foreshadowing is subverted when Paul and Veblen overcome their differences and become happily married.

Veblen had been lobbed one of her favorite topics: the gargoyle of marketing and advertising. ‘I believe it. But what’s weird about this—marketing is supposed to kindle the anticipatory daydream, supposedly the most exciting phase of acquisition. But here, what would be the daydream?
-- Veblen (chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation appears during the very first meeting between Veblen and...