The quote from Peter S. Beagle's "A Fine and Private Place" suggests a critical view of romanticizing loneliness. Beagle implies that the idea of walking alone in the rain is often idealized by college students who believe that experiencing solitude leads to meaningful artistic expression. However, this notion may overlook the more challenging aspects of loneliness that aren't so easily transformed into poetry or inspiration.
By associating solitude with a specific...