In John Steinbeck's "The Winter of Our Discontent," the narrator reflects on a metaphorical experience from infancy. He imagines being placed in a small, cruciform box, which molds his shape as a baby. This imagery symbolizes how external influences can shape one's identity and perspective from an early age. When he emerges from the box, he compares this moment to a chick breaking free from an egg, suggesting a transformation and the inherent connection between form and experience.

The narrator’s contemplation extends to the idea that, just like a chick develops an egg-like shape, he too has taken on the shape of a cross due to the limitations and influences of his surroundings. This notion raises questions about identity and the foundational experiences that define who we become later in life. Steinbeck invites readers to consider how their own unique shapes were formed by the boxes they’ve been placed in, emphasizing the profound impact of early life experiences on personal development.