Great Regulars: So, with the metaphor established

that all of the grave-loiterers are firmly ensconced in their own tub, Griffy explains that from that tub they cannot lift "[themselves] to its rim."

Because they cannot lift themselves, they cannot see what is actually happening outside of their tubs.  He says they have no true frame of reference, because they cannot see "the outer world of things" and "at the same time see [themselves]."

from Linda Sue Grimes: Suite101.com: Edgar Lee Masters' "Griffy the Cooper"

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