Strolling down a white-graveled walk to the cliff above the ocean, he let his eyes rove aimlessly over the expanse of sea and sand: The icy-looking whitecaps, the blinking, faraway sails of boats, the sweeping, constantly searching gulls. Desolation. Eternal, infinite. Like Dostoevski's conception of eternity, a fly circling about a privy, the few signs of life only emphasized the loneliness.
by Jim Thompson
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As the protagonist walks along a white-graveled path leading to the ocean cliff, he gazes out at the vast sea and shoreline. The scene is marked by cold whitecaps, distant sailing boats, and soaring gulls, creating a powerful image of desolation. This landscape conveys a sense of emptiness and solitude, reflecting the character's internal struggles and emotional isolation.

The atmosphere evokes a sense of eternal loneliness, reminiscent of Dostoevsky's view of eternity as a fly trapped in a grim setting. The few elements of life visible in the landscape only serve to heighten the feeling of isolation experienced by the protagonist. In this moment, the beauty of nature contrasts starkly with the deep sense of despair that defines his existence.

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