In this passage, the character experiences a moment of reflection after discarding torn paper out of his window. As he settles back into bed, he becomes entranced by a fragment of light that dances on his wall. This imagery highlights a sense of calm and introspection as he allows himself to drift off to sleep.
His thoughts wander towards the idea of time and efficiency, contemplating the idea of using photons instead of sand in an hourglass, suggesting a desire for a more modern or perfect method of measuring time. This moment encapsulates a blend of daily life and deeper philosophical musings, characteristic of the narrative style in Ken Kesey's work.