Halyard felt a mix of frustration and disbelief as he compared his own situation to that of Lynn, who earned a substantial income despite not having completed high school. This disparity bothered Halyard, especially since he regarded Lynn, whom he nicknamed Planck, as less intelligent than even some dogs he had known. It struck him as unjust that someone he perceived as inferior could succeed in such a dramatic way.

The contrast between their lives highlighted the quirks of society and the randomness of success. Halyard's irritation stemmed not just from envy, but also from a sense of absurdity in the value placed on education and intellect when it came to financial success. Lynn’s substantial salary seemed to mock Halyard's own efforts and intelligence, leaving him questioning the nature of merit and achievement in their world.