How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
He could not think why, nor did he bother wondering, but his father's more or less incredible appearance on a scene strangely deserted twelve years before didn't strike him as in the least extraordinary, inasmuch as he'd counted on some such happening all along. (1.1.38)
This is the first we hear that Joel's father had "deserted" his family "strangely," and it will become important later on when Randolph tells about how he shot Mr. Sansom and then Amy married him and took him to Skully's Landing. But the word deserted tells us the emotional weight his disappearance causes for Joel.
Quote #5
"But you'll make it fine; it's Saturday, lots folks living out thataway come into town on Saturday." (1.1.57)
Skully's Landing isn't exactly a hopping place; in fact, there are no neighbors for miles. But even in isolated conditions like that, human beings have a need to socialize. In fact, that's probably how towns got started—everyone would meet up to do their buying, selling, and socializing once a week or so.
Quote #6
New people rarely settle in Noon City or its outlying parts; after all, jobs are scarce here. On the other hand, seldom do you hear of a person leaving, unless it's to wend his lonesome way up onto the dark ledge above the Baptist church where forsaken tombstones gleam like stone flowers among the weeds. (1.1.60)
Noon City is kind of like the Hotel California: you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. The isolated town doesn't offer opportunity, but it's so lonesome that there's also not really a way to get out except through death.