I'm looking at nesting success in indigo buntings.
-- Jo (chapter 2)

Importance: This is Jo's response to Gabe, during one of their very first conversations together, when Gabe asks what Jo's research project is about. Jo's obscure, to-the-point answer is an example of her overly analytical mind at work. Note that Jo and Gabe have this extended conversation before they have even exchanged names with one another. Additionally, Jo's internal sense of surprise when Gabe does know the species of bird Jo is talking about is another example of her bias against the rural people where she is living.

She told you to ask me that. [...] That's the real reason you bought the eggs. You weren't really out.
-- Ursa (chapter 2)

Importance: This is Ursa's unimpressed response when Jo first hails Gabe, from his roadside egg stand, to help figure out what to do with the young girl. Ursa's unimpressed response is the first of many different instances...