It is believed that the idea to paint this work came from the painter's emotional state. Munch suffered from depression, anxiety and neurosis, which were destroying him.
It could be a cry against the world around, loneliness and the indifference of other people to one's problems, against the fear of the unknown.
The painting shows the problem of man's alienation in the hurrying world, where other people, their problems and their fears are often overlooked. It has a timeless character and overtones.
