It was one of those random, accidental encounters that seem to materialize out of thin air.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation alludes to the chance meeting between Nashe and Jack. This allusion is at the beginning of the novel, well before Jack actually enters the narrative. The quotation's allusion to the idea of chance helps to prepare the reader for the narrative's ongoing focus on the nature and effects of chance.

Little by little, he had fallen in love with his new life of freedom and irresponsibility, and once that happened, there were no longer any reasons to stop.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: At the beginning of the novel, Nashe is no longer tethered to his old life after his wife leaves him and he inherits a large sum of money. He begins to drive aimlessly around the country, and this quotation helps to elucidate the psychology behind Nashe's new, meandering lifestyle.

[Jack Pozzi] was improvising his...
-- Narration (chapter 3)