The narrator reflects on a powerful scene from a film where Humphrey Bogart's character employs beans as a metaphor for the triviality of his romantic struggles with Ingrid Bergman's character. Instead of succumbing to his selfish desires, he opts for logic and decency, resulting in a captivating narrative. This decision, while significant, contrasts with the audience's tears over their love that could not be fulfilled.

Despite the emotional weight of the film, the narrator finds it difficult to connect with the characters' plight. His own personal troubles overshadow the romantic tragedy on screen, leaving him indifferent to their story. He repeatedly tries to elicit a response but remains unmoved, illustrating how personal context can influence emotional reactions to art.