The quote from Wallace Stegner's "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" reflects a longing for an idealized place where life is abundant and easy, akin to drawing water from a well. It evokes a vision of a fantastical location where people can thrive without the burdens of hard work or struggle, suggesting a desire for an escape from reality into a world filled with freedom and adventure.

This depiction embodies the hope for a simpler, more enjoyable existence, often found in dreams and stories. The mention of "something could be had for nothing" highlights a yearning for unattainable ideals, creating a contrast between the harshness of real life and the allure of this imagined paradise.