The quote "He had been a teacher so long he had a sink in his room" from "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides illustrates the deep integration of the teacher's life with his role at school. The presence of a sink suggests a personal and perhaps over-familiar space, highlighting the extent to which he has made the classroom his own. It reflects the idea that long-standing teachers often develop a unique bond with their environment, where their classroom activities extend beyond traditional lessons.

This quote also hints at the weariness and routine that can accompany a lengthy teaching career. It evokes a sense of familiarity that may come with years of service, where the classroom transforms into a second home. Teachers can become so entrenched in their roles that practical elements, like a sink, become symbols of their enduring presence and dedication to the education of their students.