The quote compares two distinct approaches to detective work, highlighting a contrast between traditional, intellectual methods and a more rugged, practical style. The reference to "highbrows in top hats and great coats" evokes an image of classic, aristocratic detectives engaged in cerebral deduction, while the speaker identifies with a more action-oriented style that utilizes a "boot and a six-gun." This suggests a preference for direct engagement over cerebral analysis.
In the context of Lovecraft's Monsters, this dichotomy showcases a tension between highbrow literary traditions and more accessible, down-to-earth narratives. The speaker's approach implies a gritty realism that prioritizes tangible experiences over abstract reasoning, aligning with the themes of raw survival and direct conflict found in the stories within the book. This perspective enriches the understanding of detective archetypes in literature.