In the play "True West" by Sam Shepard, a character remarks on a peculiar situation: "There's gonna be a general lack of toast in the neighborhood this morning." This line suggests a sense of disruption or change in the usual home life, highlighting how something as simple as breakfast can reflect broader issues and dynamics at play. It may symbolize the breakdown of domestic routines or indicate underlying tensions between characters.

This comment can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the absence of comfort and normalcy, hinting at the chaos that ensues in the characters' lives. The mention of toast, a common and comforting breakfast item, evokes nostalgia and stability, contrasting sharply with the disruptions in their relationships. Shepard's work often explores themes such as familial conflict and the struggle for identity, and this quote encapsulates that tension in a relatable manner.