"I do not understand the capricious lewdness of the sleeping mind"

In this quote, John Cheever reveals his confusion and absence of comprehension towards the unpredictable and immoral ideas that occur in one's mind while sleeping. He uses the word "capricious" to describe the ever-changing and unforeseeable nature of these ideas, and "lewdness" to communicate their unethical and indecent nature. Cheever's usage of the expression "sleeping mind" recommends that these thoughts only occur during the state of sleep, further highlighting their mystical and uncontrollable nature. In general, this quote highlights the complexity and unpredictability of the human mind, even in its most susceptible and unconscious state.