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At Columbus Circle, a juggler wearing a trench cloak and…

“At Columbus Circle, a juggler wearing a trench cloak and top hat, who is usually at this location afternoons and who calls himself Stretch Man, performs in front of a small, uninterested crowd; though I smell prey, and he seems worthy of my wrath, I move on in search of a less dorky target. Though…” quote by Bret Easton Ellis
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“At Columbus Circle, a juggler wearing a trench cloak and top hat, who is usually at this location afternoons and who calls himself Stretch Man, performs in front of a small, uninterested crowd; though I smell prey, and he seems worthy of my wrath, I move on in search of a less dorky target. Though if he'd been a mime, odds are he'd already be dead.”

Bret Easton Ellis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator dismisses a street performer as unworthy of attention, preferring more interesting targets, reflecting a cynical, predatory mindset.

In simple terms: He ignores the performer, seeking better prey.

Key Takeaway

Choose focus over trivial distractions.

Themes

cynicism predation urban life

Mood

detached darkly humorous

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • street performance
  • personal ambition
  • moral choice

Key Concepts

nihilism social alienation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the narrator truly seek?
  • How does this view affect his relationships?
A Different Perspective

The narrator’s disdain may overlook genuine human connection.

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