Outside, a bird chirruped short piercing cries, like mocking laughter.
-- Narrator (Page 1 - 46 paragraph 2)

Importance: This quote occurs immediately after Furo realizes he has become a white man. It is important because it sets the stage for the rest of the novel. The simile represents humiliation that Furo feels about his transformation. Furo's insecurity about identity is a recurring theme in the novel, so this quote engrains the idea of insecurity about identity in the reader at the beginning of the novel.

I can take care of myself.
-- Furo Wariboko (Page 1 - 46 paragraph 6)

Importance: This quote shows the first instance of Furo's desire to be independent. Furo's mother kept asking Furo if he needed a ride to his job interview. Furo's claim that he could take care of himself shows that Furo has some insecurity about his dependence. This plants the seed for Furo's decision to accept Yuguda's job offer, because one of the main reason Furo accepts the offer is...