Even this far from home, there are reminders… On the streets, in the plazas, on the open-decked ferries, he is constantly sighting Maureen…
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: When the novel begins, Paul has gone on a tour of Greece to get away from his native Scotland for a while following the death of his beloved wife, Maureen. No matter where Paul goes, he imagines seeing her. The same is true of Greece.

I let him have the last, glib word: obvious to you and me, perhaps, but he hasn’t the slimmiest notion how different life would be if happiness could be bought and sold. Or simply bartered.
-- Fenno (Chapter 4)

Importance: In a discussion with his family members about their lives and responsibilities, Fenno and David reflect on happiness. Fenno wishes his family could be happier, and wishes happiness could be obtained like a product. David dismisses this, saying happiness is only a commodity to Americans. But...