There's no work so tirin' as danglin' about an' starin' an' not rightly knowin' what you're goin' to do next; and keepin' your face i' smilin' order like a grocer o' market-day for fear people shouldna think you civil enough.
The quote from George Eliot's "Adam Bede" reflects the exhaustion that comes from indecision and aimlessness. The speaker conveys the struggle of being in a state of limbo, where simply waiting and pretending to be cheerful becomes a heavy burden. It suggests that the emotional toll of not knowing one’s next steps can be as draining as physical labor.
Furthermore, the comparison to a grocer maintaining a pleasant demeanor during market day highlights the societal pressure to appear composed and courteous, even when one feels lost. This notion resonates with the themes of inner conflict and the façades people often wear, reinforcing how the expectation to be civil can contribute to one's fatigue and frustration.
