In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the essence of a revolution is often characterized by the heavy burden of waiting. This experience of anticipation can weigh heavily on the oppressed, turning their everyday existence into a prolonged state of inaction. The revolutionary spirit may be present, but for many, it is overshadowed by the anxiety and hopelessness that comes with waiting for change that seems elusive.

As a result, those in power can project an image of calmness and complacency, which confuses outsiders. Tourists visiting these areas may witness a facade of contentment, without understanding the underlying feelings of despair and resignation among the populace. The juxtaposition of waiting with the finality of death underscores a profound emotional and social stagnation, where the hopes for a brighter future are often overshadowed by the realities of submission and helplessness.