In this excerpt from Alice Oseman's book Solitaire, two girls are depicted walking past in exaggerated fashion, with overly tight clothing and towering heels, drawing attention to their appearance. One girl casually asks the other about Lewis Carroll, implying a lack of awareness or interest in the author's identity amidst their striking outfits. The scene captures a moment of superficial or reckless behavior, highlighting themes of identity and perception.

The narrator's violent and dramatic inner reaction contrasts sharply with the casual conversation of the girls. They imagine pulling out a gun and shooting both girls and themselves, symbolizing intense feelings of frustration or alienation. This thought process reveals a deeper emotional turmoil or critique of the characters' superficiality, emphasizing the tension between appearances and inner realities.