The more I think of it, the more miffed I am that I wasn't asked to that party." McBride meant that statement both literally and metaphorically: modern art was a great party, he had decided, and he did not intend—or want his readers—to miss out on the fun.
As I reflect on it, my annoyance grows at having been overlooked for an invitation to that social event." McBride's statement conveyed both literal and figurative meanings: modern art was a lively party, in which he had become enamored, and he wished his readers to share in the experience.