The quote reflects the complexity of a man's inner life, suggesting that the idealized image of a composed and self-sufficient individual harnessing solitude is challenging to attain. It implies that such an ideal is rare and perhaps unrealistic, highlighting the tension between external appearances and internal realities.

Moreover, the quote indicates that the speaker's expectations about solitude were perhaps too high, acknowledging that achieving a sense of control and clarity in one's solitude is not a straightforward task. This introspection resonates with themes in John Cheever's works, which often explore the struggles of identity and human experience.