The text reflects on the concept of desire and the awareness surrounding it. It suggests that individuals often chase goals without fully understanding what those goals truly represent. For instance, a young girl who aspires to marry may be oblivious to the deeper implications of her desire, while a young man seeking glory may lack insight into what glory entails. This highlights a common theme where what motivates us is often shrouded in ignorance.

The character Sabina serves as an example of this notion, as she pursues the idea of betrayal without fully grasping the ultimate objective of her desires. Her journey since leaving Geneva symbolizes a gradual approach toward the goal of achieving something profound, represented as the "unconditional lightness" of her aspirations. The narrative intimates that our pursuits are often intertwined with a lack of comprehension about the very essence of what we seek.