In "Summer Lightning" by P.G. Wodehouse, the narrative presents a moment filled with tension as a character stares at a detective with a gaze reminiscent of Schopenhauer's butcher eyeing a chosen lamb. This comparison highlights a sense of predation and inevitability, suggesting that the character feels a mix of apprehension and attentive interest towards the detective, much like a butcher assessing an animal destined for slaughter.
The use of philosophical references adds depth to the scene, implying a struggle or deeper narrative beneath the surface interaction. Wodehouse's clever crafting of the moment not only provides insight into the character's psychological state but also sets up an atmosphere of intrigue, foreshadowing further developments in the story involving the detective's role in the plot.