The "Village Virus" overtakes professional people who settle down for too long in small towns. Lewis's disdain for small town America is especially evident here; successful professionals become attached to the simplicity and easiness of uninspired, unambitious small town life because they are afraid of failing in the larger world. They become complacent, opting to remain in their "swamp." Guy has been infected, so he remains out of laziness and fear.
