In Saul Bellow's novel "Seize the Day," the act of a man smoking a cigar while wearing a hat serves as a symbol of social armor. This imagery suggests that such appearances can create a barrier to understanding one's true emotions. The combination of the cigar and hat allows the individual to maintain a level of mystery, making it more challenging for others to gauge his feelings accurately.

This idea reflects broader themes of isolation and communication in the novel. It emphasizes how people often hide their inner struggles behind external façades, complicating genuine connections with others. The character's choice of a cigar and hat indicates a conscious effort to project a certain image that obscures vulnerability.