This man is at the door of hell...somehow it seems to be his destination after a of subtle stubbornness. he doesn't expect to find himself waking up out of a dream...he doesn't expect to pi Imself and wake up and that kind of thing...in fact, the thought of that happening makes him smile. he's mildly surprised to find himself there at the door of hell.
To all accounts, the old man who is the doorman (and who conceivably reminds him of his father) is sat reading a book...but he gets up smartly and without time for either of them to feel They're standing on ceremony says, "hold my book for a minute, you, while I get the door open!" (presumably, you know, you need two hands to open the door.) for some reason the o N doesn't just put his down on the chair
It all happens quite quickly...he finds that he's made a decision and is already holding the old man's book...as just about else would have, but it seems a bit curious because...in howev All a way you like to consider it...it is as if he's helping himself enter hell...the path of least resistance. of course, at the same time he suddenly thinks..even as he grips the book. Ot;this is my chance for a reprieve...the final test...the straw which tip the good deeds over the bad."
Next thing he knows, they have exchanged opinions on the book and he has handed it back to the old man and is being into hell.