I began to get a feeling {...} of being the only sane man in a nut house. It doesn't make you feel superior but depressed and scared, because there is nobody you can contact.
In William S. Burroughs' "And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks," a feeling of isolation pervades the narrative as the protagonist grapples with a sense of sanity in an insane world. This perception fosters a deep emotional struggle, as the character feels profoundly alone, unable to connect with those around them. The sense of being the only rational individual amplifies feelings of depression and fear, stripping away any sense of superiority.
This quote encapsulates the haunting loneliness that can accompany moments of clarity amid chaos. Rather than elevating the character's spirit, this isolation breeds anxiety and despair, highlighting the challenges of living in a world where meaningful connections are absent. Burroughs powerfully illustrates how such a disconnection can lead to a profound existential crisis.