* Boredom and Routine: He is a man trapped in a mundane, repetitive life. His daydreams are a form of escape from the boredom of his job as a negative asset manager at Life magazine.
* External Stimuli: Often, real-life situations act as catalysts for his fantasies. For example, his daydreams about being a fearless aviator are triggered by a photograph he is processing for Life magazine.
* Personal Desires and Yearnings: His daydreams reflect his deep-seated desires for adventure, excitement, and recognition. He yearns for heroism, romance, and a life filled with purpose.
* Imagination and Creativity: While his daydreams are triggered by external factors, his vivid and detailed fantasies are a testament to his powerful imagination. He can vividly envision himself as a pilot, a surgeon, a brave explorer, and a successful writer, completely transforming his reality.
It's important to note that Walter Mitty's daydreams are not simply random fantasies. They are shaped by his experiences, desires, and the world around him. They are a reflection of his longing for a more fulfilling life, a life where he can be someone other than the "unremarkable" man he perceives himself to be.