My favorite sci-fi always uses its hook to amplify some bigger theme or idea - some emotional thrust.
“A transfer of money should never be involved in this profound situation. Although illness is profound, too, but medicine's a business today. It's a business.”
“Perhaps one of the only positive pieces of advice that I was ever given was that supplied by an old courtier who observed: Only two rules really count. Never miss an opportunity to relieve yourself; never miss a chance to sit down and rest your feet.”