Five straight days she spent in front of the television, staring at crumpled banks and hospitals, whole blocks of stores in flames, severed rail lines and expressways. She never said a word.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This is the beginning of the story. It immediately establishes the post-earthquake setting, and it emphasizes Komura's wife's obsession with the aftermath. These two facts are crucial for the development of the plot.

... but he had lost all interest in fleeting affairs and one-night stands. He much preferred to come home early, have a relaxed meal with his wife, talk with her for a while on the sofa, then go to bed and make love.
-- Narrator (N/A paragraph 3)

Importance: This quote highlights the nature of Komura's character, in that at this point in the story, he is more motivated by love than by lust.

... living with you is like living with a chunk of air.
-- Komura's Wife (N/A paragraph 1)

Importance: This descriptive language explores Komura's relationship with...