The Colossus of New York

This chapter presents an introspective journey along Broadway through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. Whitehead crafts a narrative that interweaves personal reflections with observations about the city’s character and its impact on its inhabitants.

The protagonist embarks on an annual walk down Broadway, a tradition that he upholds without a specific destination or plan. This journey serves as a metaphor for his relationship with the city. As he traverses the street, he encounters various scenes and characters that prompt contemplation on city life, personal history, and the passage of time.

Whitehead explores the concept of change within the city landscape. The narrator notes how familiar establishments disappear, replaced by new businesses that symbolize the city’s constant evolution. This transformation extends to the people as well, with descriptions of expectant mothers and children, suggesting that they illustrate the cycle of life.

The chapter explores the idea of memory and its connection to physical spaces. The protagonist reflects on locations that hold personal significance, such as restaurants associated with past relationships or phone booths linked to important calls. These places become markers of his personal history within the larger