He sat leaning forward in the seat with his elbows on the empty seatback in front of him and his chin on his forearms and he watched the play with great intensity. He'd notion that there would be something in the story itself to tell him about the way the world was or was becoming but there was not. There was nothing in it at all.
In Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," a character is deeply engaged in watching a play, hoping to discover insights about the world through its narrative. He leans forward, completely absorbed, signaling his desire for understanding and connection. However, as he watches, he realizes that the play offers no revelations about life or the changing world around him.
This moment underscores a sense of disappointment and disillusionment. The character's anticipation of finding meaning in the story contrasts sharply with the stark reality that what he seeks is absent, leaving him with a void where understanding ought to be. It reflects a broader theme of searching for purpose in art amidst a world that often fails to deliver answers.