

For instance, he insinuates that the only time children are shown proper love and appreciation, which they should be receiving regularly, is actually during events like their birthdays. He also reminisces on his own (presumably early) school days. And the way the narrative plays out is as if he was in need of attention and all (being a “nervous” child) which he totally did not receive. Secondly, he refers to childhood itself as being detrimental to an individual’s self-esteem.

And likewise the idea that he will share a similar destiny has him depressed. First is being turned off by the prospect of participating in the rat race. That is he sees people headed to work every morning who appear – for lack of a better word – lifeless.
