...I expected a gift, you know, something nice and useless...
The quote expresses the narrator's anticipation for a thoughtful yet trivial gift, hinting at an appreciation for things that hold sentimental value rather than practicality. This desire for something "nice and useless" reflects a common human inclination to cherish items that elicit joy or nostalgia, regardless of their utility.
In the context of Anthony Burgess's book "Earthly Powers," this insight speaks to the deeper themes of desire and expectation within human relationships. It suggests that sometimes the most meaningful gestures come in the form of tokens that may not serve a functional purpose but nonetheless enrich our emotional landscape.