In Jim Thompson's "The Getaway," the character Clinton reflects on his life filled with compromises and surrenders. Despite his desire to live an honest and productive life while helping others, he finds himself repeatedly giving up. This sense of resignation stems from a deep confusion about why he cannot achieve the meaningful existence he longs for.

Clinton's internal struggle highlights a broader theme of human experience, where the pursuit of integrity and altruism often leads to disillusionment. His realization that he must continue to compromise indicates a resignation to life's challenges, suggesting that the ideals he cherishes may perpetually remain out of reach.