Human nature, as explored in "Criers and Kibitzers, Kibitzers and Criers," is a tapestry woven with contradictions. Characters in this narrative reveal the duality of empathy and self-interest that is intrinsic to human behavior. The Irish police officer embodies this paradox, as his intentions to serve the community are overshadowed by his actions of extorting citizens for small amounts of money weekly. Similarly, Margolis, who desires to be of assistance, undermines his own integrity by deceiving his customers. This duplicity extends to Jake's world, where those who should support him—his employees and customers—are equally complicit in exploiting him for their gain. Even the innocence of youth is not immune, as reflected in young Harold, who is touched by the pervasive moral ambiguity. Through these characters, the story captures the essence of human inconsistency, where noble intentions are often sullied by self-serving actions.

Jake finds himself ensnared in a profound struggle with loss, casting a shadow over his once vibrant outlook. This darkness, akin to a saturnine gloom, hangs heavily on his heart. In ancient medical belief, such black moods were said to be expelled through the release of black bile, yet Jake faces a different kind of blockage—an emotional constipation from which he cannot find relief. Despite the well-meaning advice of his wife, acquaintances, and employees urging him to let go and embrace life once more, Jake remains tethered to his grief. The death of his son and the absence of grandchildren leave him adrift in a sea of sorrow, unable to navigate beyond the depths of his mourning.

Life often demands compromises, yet for Jake, it seems every aspect is tainted by a sense of surrender. He finds himself in a position where further compromise is impossible, burdened by a deep wound that seems to leave no room for any more concessions. In his world, surrounded by police, employees, and colleagues, he is perpetually frustrated by the small acts of deception that creep into daily interactions. Even those who generally appear helpful cannot escape his scrutiny, as they too indulge in minor acts of deceit. His desire is for everything to exist in its purest form, unmarred by fraud or dishonesty.

Amidst this search for integrity, Jake harbors an unspoken envy for those around him, particularly for poor Traub. Traub, whose name ironically hints at chaos, is nonetheless envied for his simple yet profound possession: living offspring. This envy underscores Jake's yearning for a completeness he perceives in others, further magnifying the compromises he feels forced to endure in his own life. Thus, Jake's story becomes one of searching for authenticity in a landscape where even the seemingly straightforward relationships are tinged with complexity and longing.

Stanley Elkin, a distinguished figure in the realm of symbolic fiction, delves into the intricate themes of human fallibility and survival within the confines of mortality. His narrative style leaves deliberate gaps, mirroring the unresolved mysteries of life. The story raises questions that linger without clear answers: will Frank's cramp escalate into a fatal illness, as the perceptive old Harold seemingly predicts? The details surrounding young Harold's demise remain ambiguous. Was the document in his handwriting a suicide note, or merely, as Greenspahn postulates, an unfulfilled order? Regardless of interpretation, Harold failed to fulfill life's intrinsic expectation to perpetuate the human continuum.

Elkin's tale underscores two immutable truths: human imperfection and the inevitability of death. These themes are woven into the fabric of his narrative, reflecting the uncertainties that define human existence. The characters navigate through life, grappling with their vulnerabilities, and the looming shadow of mortality casts a constant presence. Elkin's work serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, where survival is a testament to navigating the unknown and confronting one's limitations. It is this blend of uncertainty and inevitability that captures the essence of Elkin's storytelling, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of life and the ultimate certainty of death.