In Philip K. Dick's novel "A Scanner Darkly," the protagonist's actions in a mundane setting, like a phone booth, highlight the intersection of technology and human behavior. The phrase "he did a phone thing" emphasizes the routine nature of communication in a world where reality often blurs with illusion.

This moment serves as a gateway into deeper themes of identity and surveillance in the narrative. Dick's exploration of societal roles and the impact of drugs creates a context where even simple actions become laden with significance, reflecting the struggles of the characters in a fragmented reality.