“When Pearl Tull was dying, a funny thought occurred to her.” 

The opening line of the novel introduces Pearl, whose life (and death) will have such a profound impact on the narrative. She is introduced via a juxtaposition; the contrast between the morbid nature of death and the whimsy of the funny thought that strikes her. Additionally, that she struggles to voice this thought speaks to the communication problems that will affect her children throughout the book. 

“Well, he wrote. Looks like we made it.” 

After decades apart from one another, Beck is inspired to write to Pearl after witnessing the moon landing. Beck, whose career and life have been gradual, dull failure, takes pleasure in the achievement. He derives vicarious satisfaction from an achievement that he had nothing to do with. Given the lack of success in his own life, becoming emotionally invested in such achievements is all that Beck has left. 

“He was so used to breaking things.” 

Ezra, the dreamy and clumsy figure in the family, takes up the borrow and arrow while everyone watches on. They expect him to fail but, instead, he not only hits the target, but splits apart the arrow that is already lodged in the bull’s-eye. It speaks to Ezra’s character that his first instinct is to apologize, assuming that he has broken the arrow.