In William S. Burroughs' book "And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks," the narrator expresses a profound sense of isolation and unease, reminiscent of his past experiences as a bartender. He feels like an outsider surrounded by chaos, which intensifies his feelings of vulnerability and helplessness rather than giving him a sense of superiority. This reflects a deep human experience of feeling out of place in a world that seems irrational and overwhelming.

This sentiment reveals the emotional toll of being the only person aware of a troubling reality, leaving one without a connection or escape. The quote encapsulates the fear and despair that accompany such isolation, illustrating how the burden of awareness can be heavy when there is no one to share it with. Burroughs captures the struggle of individuals who see through the facade of normalcy and must confront the unsettling truths they encounter.