They have turned me into a liar and a hypocrite.

They have stifled me with their middle-class gentleness, and I can hardly understand how it is that there is still blood in my veins.

I have lowered my eyes, and given myself a mournful, idiotic face like theirs.

I have led their deathlike life.

When you saw me I looked like a blockhead, did I not?
I was grave, overwhelmed, brutalised.