But my lord, Yvonne, surely you know by this time I can't get drunk however much I drink

But my lord, Yvonne, surely you know by this time I can't get drunk however much I drink

In the context of Malcolm Lowry, the statement “But my lord, Yvonne, surely you know by this time I can't get drunk however much I drink” holds a significant amount of weight. Lowry, a renowned author known for his novel “Under the Volcano,” was no stranger to alcoholism and the destructive effects it can have on a person’s life. The protagonist of the novel, Geoffrey Firmin, is a British consul living in Mexico who struggles with alcoholism and the demons of his past.

Lowry himself battled with alcoholism throughout his life, and his experiences undoubtedly influenced his writing. The quote in question could be seen as a reflection of Lowry’s own struggles with alcohol and his inability to find solace or escape in drinking. Despite consuming copious amounts of alcohol, Lowry may have felt that he was unable to achieve the desired state of drunkenness that would allow him to forget his troubles and find temporary relief from his inner turmoil.

The character of Geoffrey Firmin in “Under the Volcano” also grapples with this same sense of futility when it comes to alcohol. Despite his constant drinking, Firmin is unable to drown out the memories of his failed marriage, his lost love, and his own self-destructive tendencies. The quote could be interpreted as a cry for help, a desperate plea for understanding from someone who is trapped in a cycle of addiction and despair.