In the book "Rabbit, Run" by John Updike, the protagonist grapples with the chaotic nature of his life and relationships. The quote reflects a sense of frustration as he observes the ongoing struggle to maintain order amidst the turmoil created by another person, highlighting the burdens of responsibility and the effort required to manage conflicts.

This sentiment captures the essence of feeling overwhelmed as one tries to keep things from falling apart. The imagery of "fetching and hauling" suggests a constant battle against the chaos, indicating how exhausting it can be to address the messes that arise within interpersonal dynamics.