The quote describes a confined space that evokes a sense of stagnation and lack of progress, similar to a train car stuck in its tracks. This imagery suggests feelings of entrapment and a yearning for movement or change yet highlighted by the limitation of the setting.
In Denis Johnson's "Jesus' Son," this metaphor reflects the characters' experiences and emotional states, as they navigate their chaotic lives. The long, narrow space symbolizes their internal struggles and the obstacles they face, ultimately conveying a deeper commentary on human existence and the quest for liberation.