Herbert Hopegood, conscientious worker and an undemanding presence on the grand scene of modern life, finds himself faced with the fundamental questions of existence in the shape of unemployment, ailments, loneliness, thugs and loss. He may wish for a quiet life drinking coffee, but despite his best efforts (of struggle and denial) anxiety, doubt and melancholy are never far from his exercised mind as he manages to make it from one day to the next.