Fernando Sorrentino’s diminutive “friend” Luke is a man of extremes. For the most part he is introverted, considerate and submissive. However, but put Luke on a bus and he becomes assertive, rude and manipulative. The catalyst for this changed behaviour is the tolerance of the other bus passengers, built up over years of coping with a crowded public transport system. The story is a metaphor for the desire of all people living subservient, unsatisfying, exploited lives to lash out and assert their individuality. Themes: lack of fulfilment, loneliness, exploitation, frustration, rebellion.
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