In Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," the protagonist grapples with profound sadness stemming from the realization that the present moment holds immense power. He understands that every experience leading up to the current moment is interconnected, and a single revelation can alter the entire narrative of existence, challenging previously accepted truths.

This acknowledgment of the fragility of truth and the weight of history creates a deep emotional conflict. The character’s sadness is a reflection of the existential burden that comes with understanding how quickly everything can shift based on new insights, suggesting that our realities are always subject to change.