As a New Yorker, the protagonist feels a sense of detachment and frustration toward familiar places like Times Square and Brooklyn, yearning instead for the tranquility of a farmhouse in Connecticut. This ambivalence suggests a deeper discontent with urban life, marked by a pervasive sense of boredom and exasperation despite the city's energy.

After becoming an astronaut and exploring the vast expanse of space, the protagonist encounters a road sign pointing to Brooklyn, creating a profound emotional response. This juxtaposition of his former mundane life with the alien surroundings highlights a newfound appreciation and nostalgic longing for his past, emphasizing how distance can transform one's perspective on home and familiarity.