He thought that it was loneliness which he was trying to escape and not himself. But the street ran on: catlike, one place was the same as another to him. But in none of them could he be quiet. But the street ran on in its moods and phases, always empty: he might have seen himself as in numberless avatars, in silence, doomed with motion, driven by the courage of flagged and spurred despair; by the despair of courage whose opportunities had to be flagged and spurred.
by William Faulkner
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The character grapples with a deep sense of loneliness, believing he is fleeing from it rather than confronting his own identity. The street he wanders feels monotonous, with each place blending into another, yet he cannot find peace or solace anywhere. This constant movement reflects an underlying emotional turmoil, hinting at his struggle with despair and the human desire for connection.

As he navigates the emptiness of the street, it symbolizes his inner journey through various states of being. Despite his relentless search for quietude, he remains trapped in a cycle of despair that both motivates and hinders him. This conflict between courage and despair illustrates the complexity of the human experience, revealing how one's search for meaning can often lead to more profound feelings of isolation.

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