In "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry, the character Dish experiences a profound existential crisis. He grapples with a sudden loss of identity, feeling disconnected from his former life as a cowboy, which had defined him. This incident leaves him in a disoriented state, as he transforms from a respected figure in the community to a man overwhelmed by despair.

Dish's struggle illustrates the fragility of self-worth and the impact of circumstance on one's life. As he stands with a glass in hand, he reflects on his former status as a skilled cowboy, now rendered meaningless in the wake of personal turmoil. This poignant moment underscores the themes of loss and identity, central to the narrative of the novel.