Squier, like many other wanderers during the Depression, probably hasn't had a good meal in 3-4 days and probably hasn't been eating regularly. He is also an alcoholic.
It is unlikely, however, that he suffers from Delerium tremens, the delerium and shakes that come from severe alcohol withdrawal. He would have to be regularly imbibing and absorbing large amounts of alcohol to get to this level, and for all we know, he might have not had anything to eat in a day or two.
What Squier likely does suffer from, however, is headaches, stomachache, general irritability, a difficulty concentrating, perhaps strain on his eye sight, diminished appetite, and a low libido. Although his body probably hasn't gone into complete starvation mode -- think of the images of African children in famine and prisoners and victims of Concentration Camps and Reeducation Camps -- his body has likely stopped metabolizing and absorbing food at a normal rate. That "Today's Special" meal he eats should probably get him through the day without a problem, but that beer he pounds might also be because it is a source of carbohydrates and hydration, as well as the alcohol he craves.
Finally, because he is not eating at normal intervals, it is quite possible that the meal he dumped on his system, after not eating in awhile, went right through him and gave him diarrhea. Which would make him more dehydrated.
No comments:
Post a Comment