The Colossus of New York

Whitehead presents a portrayal of the New York City subway experience, capturing the essence of commuting through a series of interconnected vignettes. He explores the psychological and social dynamics of subway travel, highlighting the shared experiences and individual perspectives of passengers.

The narrative begins with the anticipation and frustration of waiting for a train. Whitehead describes the anxiety of potentially missing a train and the constant recalculation of travel plans. He portrays the platform as a microcosm of human behavior, with passengers jockeying for position and attempting to predict where the train doors will open.

Once aboard, the focus shifts to the various types of subway cars and their distinct atmospheres. Whitehead categorizes these based on passengers’ moods and destinations, such as the car filled with jovial travelers and the one occupied by weary commuters.

The chapter then describes the nuances of subway etiquette and the unspoken rules governing passenger behavior. Whitehead examines the complex social dynamics of offering seats to those in need, avoiding undesirable seating situations, and navigating personal space in crowded cars. He also touches on the peculiar phenomenon of subway advertisements becoming suddenly relevant to passengers’ lives.

Whitehead explores the concept of time and space distortion in subway travel. He describes the sensation of being stuck between stations, the fear of taking an express train too far, and the surreal experience of emerging above ground to glimpse snippets of city life. These observations highlight the disconnection between the subterranean world of the subway and the city above.

The author also addresses the shared experiences that unite subway riders despite their diverse backgrounds. He notes how passengers move in unison with the train’s motions and how unexpected delays create a temporary community among strangers. This sense of collective experience is juxtaposed against the individual concerns and destinations of each passenger. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the transient nature of subway communities. Whitehead emphasizes how these brief connections form and dissolve at each stop, creating a constant flux of human interaction.

Whitehead begins by describing the abrupt onset of the rain, depicting how it catches people off guard and sends them scrambling for shelter. He illustrates the various improvised forms of cover that people seek, from awnings to diners, highlighting the sudden shift in priorities as the weather changes. The author then introduces the opportunistic umbrella vendors who capitalize on the situation, emerging to sell their wares to unprepared pedestrians.

The narrative shifts to focus on those who came prepared with umbrellas, contrasting their relative comfort with the plight of the “peasants” caught in the downpour. Whitehead humorously touches on the hazards of navigating crowded sidewalks with open umbrellas, noting the risk of accidental eye poking. He also comments on the transient nature of umbrella ownership, suggesting that people frequently lose or forget their umbrellas, leading to a constant circulation of a limited number of umbrellas throughout the city.

The author then turns his attention to the transformation of the cityscape, describing how rain alters familiar urban features. He depicts the formation of puddles and new rivulets along curbs, the challenges that these present to pedestrians, and how children in rain boots gleefully splash through them. Whitehead also touches on the way that rain complicates everyday tasks, forcing people to reconsider their plans and errands.

A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to the increased difficulty of hailing a taxi during a rainstorm. Whitehead humorously details the complex calculations and strategies that people employ in their quest to secure a cab, including considerations of street direction, time of day, and even cosmic factors like sunspots. He highlights the sudden elevation in status that comes with successfully hailing a taxi on a rainy day, contrasting it with the frustration of those left waiting on the sidewalk.

The author explores how the rain affects personal interactions, from couples seeking shelter in doorways to the shared discomfort of strangers huddled under scaffolding. He notes how the weather can spark unexpected connections between people who might otherwise remain strangers.

Whitehead also details the sensory experiences of being caught in the rain, from the feel of water trickling down one’s spine to the taste of raindrops on lips. He describes the various ways that people attempt to protect themselves and their belongings from the rain, often with limited success.

Whitehead ends with a reflection on different attitudes toward getting caught in the rain. He contrasts those who frantically try to stay dry with individuals who embrace the rain, walking slowly and naturally through the downpour. He suggests that these rain-embracing individuals might be “citizens of a better city” (68), hinting at a more accepting and adaptable approach to life’s unexpected challenges.