In this quote by Haruki Murakami, the author conveys the intensity of an overwhelming question arising within him. This question is depicted as so significant that it physically impacts him, creating a sensation that makes it difficult to breathe. It symbolizes the weight of unresolved thoughts or existential dilemmas that people often encounter.

Ultimately, he opts to suppress this monumental question and instead focus on a different, presumably less burdensome one. This choice highlights the struggle between confronting deep, challenging inquiries and the instinct to avoid them, illustrating a common human experience of grappling with the complexities of thought and emotion.