It was an irony but a fact that a person had to move to New York City first, to become an artist of the West.
-- Reno/ Narration (chapter 2 paragraph 5)

Importance: Reno reflected on her reasons for moving to New York in order to make art that was inspired by the West. This quote reflects the primacy Reno gives to authentic experience over doing things for the sake of art. Unlike the artists she would meet in New York, Reno had real experience of the place that inspired her.

The movie followed by a walk west, the rain having ceased, the walk led by him. I wanted to be led. To see the city as he wanted me to see it.
-- Reno/Narration (chapter 6 paragraph Fourth section, paragraph 7)

Importance: Reno remembered her earliest impressions of Sandro. This reflects Reno’s attitude towards life and her preference for allowing men to make her decisions for her, rather than forging a path for herself.

The problem...
-- Eric (chapter 10 paragraph Part 1, paragraph 30)