In the novel "You Bright and Risen Angels" by William T. Vollmann, the character Bug embodies a chilling realization that power dictates morality. This harsh lesson from his surroundings in Marshtown shapes his worldview as he navigates a harsh reality.
As Bug matures, he becomes increasingly introspective, reflecting a sense of resignation and vulnerability. The imagery of his head being downcast compares him to a flower that anticipates its own demise, suggesting a profound awareness of his precarious situation in life.