The quote reflects a neighborhood characterized by a lack of decorum and a shift in social values, where even the most respectable residents have succumbed to a more casual or careless demeanor. The mention of Mr. Deutschman, once an honorable figure, underscores a transformation that highlights a sense of decline in community standards.

This setting serves as a backdrop for exploring deeper themes of morality and disillusionment in "Vernon God Little," where the juxtaposition of a previously decent society against the current state amplifies the absurdity and challenges faced by the characters. The narrative weaves together elements of comedy and tragedy, emphasizing the impact of societal changes on individual lives.