Then he was sorry he had not learnt the art of thinking, beginning by folding back the second and third fingers the better to put the index on the subject and the little finger on the verb, in the way his teacher had shown him, and sorry he could make no meaning of the babel, raging in his head, the doubts, desires, imaginings and dreads.
In the passage, the character reflects on his regret for not mastering the skill of thinking, which involves a methodical approach to understanding language and ideas. He reminisces about a technique his teacher had demonstrated, where he would use his fingers to guide his focus on subjects and verbs, symbolizing a structured process of thought. This regret highlights his struggle with clarity in his thoughts and expressions.
He is overwhelmed by a cacophony of conflicting emotions and thoughts swirling in his mind, encapsulated as a "babel." This turmoil consists of his uncertainties, aspirations, fears, and fantasies, indicating a deep sense of inner conflict. The passage suggests a longing for the ability to order these chaotic feelings into coherent understanding, revealing a profound existential struggle within the character.
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