In this passage, the character reflects on the brevity of life compared to the enduring nature of art, which he likens to a long, flat, and unrefined piece of concrete. This contemplation reveals a sense of existential awareness, as he recognizes that while life is fleeting, art has the capacity to stretch on indefinitely, capturing moments beyond their temporal existence.

As he comes to this realization, he takes a piece of jewelry and places it in his coat pocket, symbolizing a connection to both the material and artistic aspects of life. The act of putting away the jewelry may suggest a desire to hold onto something meaningful, even in the face of life's transience and the stark realities presented in his world.