Walking home in the falling dark, Grainier almost met the Chinaman everywhere. Chinaman in the road. Chinaman in the woods, Chinaman walking softly, dangling his hands on arms like ropes. Chinaman dancing up out of the creek like a spider.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: In its structure and repetition, this quote evokes the jumpiness and fear felt by Grainier on his way home in the aftermath of the encounter with the Chinaman.

In the dark he felt his daughter’s eyes turned on him like a cornered brute’s. It was only his thoughts tricking him, but it poured something cold down his spine. He shuddered and pulled the quilt up to his neck. All of his life, Robert Grainier was able to recall this very moment on this very night.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote contains one of several references, made throughout the book, to important moments or experiences in Grainier's life that take place at...