One moment—” I answered. “This table is taken. I’m waiting…
““One moment—” I answered. “This table is taken. I’m waiting for someone.” “Not allowed, sir,” said the waiter. “No seats can be reserved at this hour.” I looked at him. Then I looked at the athlete, now standing close by the table and clutching the arm of a chair. I saw her face and gave up at once all thought of further resistance. Not with a set of howitzers would one have deterred this person in her determination to take possession of the table. “Anyway you can bring me another cognac, eh?” I growled at the waiter. “Very well, sir. Another large one?” “A very large one, see!” “Certainly, sir.” He bowed. “It is a table for six persons, you see, sir,” said he apologetically. “Very good. Only bring the cognac.” The athlete appeared to belong to a temperance club as well. She glared at my schnapps as if it were stinking fish. To annoy her I ordered another and glared back. The whole business suddenly struck me as absurd. What did I want here? And what did I want with the girl? I didn’t know even if in all the hubbub and jabber I should recognize her anyway.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man confronts absurd social rituals and personal desire, realizing the futility of his aggression and the emptiness of his wants.
In simple terms: He sees the absurdity of his own demands and questions his motives.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when desire is hollow and let go.
Themes
absurdity
desire
self‑reflection
social ritual
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- restaurant conflict
- personal confrontation
- self‑analysis
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
existentialism
human behavior
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying need drives my confrontational behavior?
- How can I discern genuine desire from social performance?
A Different Perspective
The scene may be a literary device, not a literal event, limiting its practical relevance.