Real people don't make their livings that way any more. Those three romantics out there make as much sense as Marie Antoinette and her milkmaids. When the bankruptcy proceedings begin – in a week, a month, a year – they'll find out that their only economic value was as animated wallpaper for my restaurant here.' Bunny, to his credit, was not happy about this. 'That's all over, men working with their hands and backs. They are not needed.
The quote reflects a disillusionment with the romanticized notion of manual labor in a changing economy. It suggests that the idea of people earning a living through hard work is outdated, likening those who hold onto such ideals to historical figures like Marie Antoinette, highlighting their impracticality. The character expresses a sense of impending financial ruin for these romantics, suggesting that their contributions are merely decorative rather than valuable in a modern context.
Bunny's discomfort with this perspective indicates a conflict between traditional values of labor and the harsh realities of contemporary economic structures. His statement emphasizes a shift in societal needs, whereby physical labor is devalued, and individuals who once found dignity and purpose in their work are now rendered obsolete. This critique invites reflection on the implications of such changes for individual worth and community identity.
