It seemed very womanly, to have everyone watching you.
-- Thea as Narrator (chapter 5)

Importance: This quote reflects the theme of "watching" that is present throughout the novel. Thea is in a transitional time in her life, and feels that all of her actions are being observed and scrutinized. In this particular scene, Thea is observing her own mother's careful movements and considering the ways that a woman must constantly be performing for an audience.

And there was always truth to the rumors, sometimes just a morsel of it, but still.
-- Thea as Narrator (chapter 12)

Importance: When Thea returns from her time in the infirmary, she hears a fresh batch of rumors. Thea's first few weeks at Yonahlossee are filled with rumors and questions about why she was sent to camp. Thea knows that rumors have the power to grow and spread, even if only a fraction of the rumor is true.

Beds were so rarely unmade in my world.
-- Thea as Narrator (chapter 14)

Importance: Here...