In the quote from Cormac McCarthy's "The Crossing," the author conveys the profound anguish of a man trapped in his own despair. This individual struggles with a reality that has transformed every aspect of his life into a source of suffering, as if he is living in a nightmarish state. The metaphor of the universe being tightened suggests a sense of overwhelming pressure, leading to an existential crisis where even the things he once cherished become torturous reminders of his plight.

The portrayal of this man as a mere shadow emphasizes his profound alienation and detachment from his surroundings. While he may still exist physically and interact with the world, his essence has become hollow. The mention of the "youngest brand on the page" implies that despite his suffering, there remains a trace of his former self, yet it only serves to underscore the contrast between his past vitality and his current state of being lost and diminished.