He has no interest in the politics of the countries he works in.
-- Narrator (Pages 48 - 52)

Importance: In the opening passages of the short story, the narrator presents a detailed description of who Dr. Franz-Josef von Leinsdorf is, where he comes from, and the work that defines his life. In these passages, the third person narration is limited to Dr. von Leinsdorf's consciousness and psyche. Therefore, though the narrator presents this line in an assured and declarative tone, it originates from Dr. von Leinsdorf's mind, thus illustrating the way he regards himself in the context of the world. He believes his work, moving from continent to continent, makes him superior to others. However, he also believes that his transient lifestyle does not require his engagement with or understanding of other countries' political climates. The line also foreshadows Dr. von Leinsdorf's unexpected relationship with the girl, and the ways in which this relationship challenges his...