In Walker Percy's "Lancelot," the protagonist experiences a moment of introspection as he stands alone, vulnerable and naked, reflecting on his existence in silence. He contemplates whether it is possible to be at ease in such solitude, likening himself to Michelangelo's David, embodying strength without the distractions of daily life. This moment leads him to realize that he is capable of standing alone without the companionship or noise that often fills his life.

As he listens to the silence surrounding him, he acknowledges the absence of sounds typically associated with life, such as traffic or nature. This realization prompts him to question the importance of news and external events in his life, leading to the profound understanding that he has long harbored a fear of silence. By confronting this fear, he embraces the stillness, recognizing that nothing significant happens when he disengages from the outside noise.