In his book "Wayfaring Stranger," James Lee Burke reflects on the complexities of the human experience and the roles we inhabit throughout life. He suggests that understanding these roles is a challenge, as they often seem influenced by unseen forces beyond our comprehension. This notion evokes a sense of theater, where we are all performers, navigating a world that can feel both familiar and alien. The metaphor of being actors on a stage highlights the interplay between our actions and the larger, often mysterious forces shaping our existence.

Burke's expression of human progress as a "long, depressing slog" points to the struggles inherent in trying to make sense of our lives and actions. The imagery of a stage alongside Pissing Alley serves to contrast the sublime nature of artistic figures like Shakespeare and Marlowe with the harsh realities of everyday life. This juxtaposition invites readers to ponder the deeper implications of their roles in society and the unseen elements that influence their journey, urging a deeper exploration of the nature of existence itself.