Even crushed against his brother in the Tube the average Englishman pretends desperately that he is alone.

Summary

This quote suggests that English people tend to maintain a strong sense of personal space and privacy, even in crowded public places like the London Underground (the Tube). They do so by emotionally disconnecting themselves from the presence of others, pretending and acting as if they are completely alone. Despite physical proximity or even discomfort, this behavior reflects the avoidance of interacting or acknowledging the existence of strangers, highlighting the English cultural value of preserving one's personal boundaries and privacy.

Topics