The narrator struggles to envision the concept of a literary party, likening it to abstract shapes that are difficult to grasp. This abstract contemplation reflects his feelings of disconnection and confusion about fitting into such social gatherings. He feels lost within layers of formality and unfamiliarity, emphasized by his discomfort in a suit, which contributes to his sense of being out of place.

This introspection illustrates the narrator's broader sense of alienation within a vibrant social scene, represented by San Francisco. The multitude of layers he describes highlights how trapped he feels in situations that do not resonate with his true self, depicting the internal conflict between societal expectations and personal identity.