Lightness, like anything inherited at great cost, was a lonely gift.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: The narrator says this while describing the history of Mallard. Though the quote is immediately referring to the colorist values of the Mallard community, the line also addresses Stella and Desiree's distinct relationship with their racial identities. Though the women do not appear as dark as other black individuals, they are still not afforded the privilege or acceptance from white communities. Both women, though having created starkly different lives for themselves, live lonely lives after their relationship splits.

In Mallard, Desiree saw Stella everywhere.
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: After Desiree moves back to Mallard with Jude, she is haunted by her twin sister's absence. Though she and Stella have been apart for many years, being back in their hometown, reminds Desiree of how much she misses her sister. Unlike Stella, Desiree is unable to forget her twin, nor does she want to. This...