In "Inherent Vice," the protagonist, Doc, navigates a disorienting urban landscape while traveling east on Olympic Boulevard. The environment is filled with unexpected sights, such as buses and pedestrians who seem to be in altered states of reality. This creates a surreal backdrop for Doc's journey, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the world around him.

Doc's experience highlights the challenges he faces as he attempts to make sense of his surroundings. The imagery of the city and its inhabitants emphasizes a theme of confusion and distortion, suggesting a deeper commentary on the social and cultural changes occurring at the time. Through this lens, Pynchon explores the complexities of the human experience in a tumultuous era.