An inability to see the beauty in the world—everything is torn by detachment, irony, cynicism, and darkness. Carousels are juxtaposed with metal teeth; queens are contrasted with nails, etc, etc. Lighting a cigar—a normally celebratory affair—can only be achieved by the use of an electric chair, which spells death. The one thing that seems to fill him with beauty and wonder and love is the image of a pretty girl milking a cow. Linkous said that he longed to have a child. Milk is a symbol of that desire. Ultimately, he just wants a pretty girl who can give him a baby. The tragedy lies in his inability to do so. In a world of irony and death, new life provides meaning; new life is something he can be wholly sincere about.
An inability to see the beauty in the world—everything is torn by detachment, irony, cynicism, and darkness. Carousels are juxtaposed with metal teeth; queens are contrasted with nails, etc, etc. Lighting a cigar—a normally celebratory affair—can only be achieved by the use of an electric chair, which spells death. The one thing that seems to fill him with beauty and wonder and love is the image of a pretty girl milking a cow. Linkous said that he longed to have a child. Milk is a symbol of that desire. Ultimately, he just wants a pretty girl who can give him a baby. The tragedy lies in his inability to do so. In a world of irony and death, new life provides meaning; new life is something he can be wholly sincere about.