In Kafka's "A Country Doctor," the protagonist reflects on his feelings of isolation and despair, likening his situation to an unending winter. This metaphor highlights his sense of entrapment and confusion as he navigates personal and professional challenges. The eternal winter symbolizes not just the harshness of his surroundings but also his emotional state, where hope seems distant and the future appears bleak.

The quote "What am I doing in this eternal winter?" encapsulates his struggle with identity and purpose. The doctor is caught between societal expectations and his desire for genuine connection and fulfillment, facing a profound internal conflict as he questions the meaning of his existence in such desolate circumstances. This poignant inquiry underscores the themes of alienation and the search for meaning amidst life's adversities.