In Jonathan Safran Foer's novel "Everything Is Illuminated," a poignant dialogue captures the essence of love and the concept of shared space. One character dismissively states their preference for sleeping alone, emphasizing their apparent independence. This pragmatic perspective contrasts sharply with another character’s belief that love inherently involves creating a shared environment, highlighting the complexities of intimacy.

The exchange underscores a fundamental tension in relationships: the balance between personal autonomy and the desire for closeness. By asserting that love equates to sharing a room, the second character suggests that genuine love requires vulnerability and connection, challenging the more solitary view presented by the first character. Ultimately, this conversation reveals differing attitudes towards love and companionship, inviting readers to reflect on what it truly means to share life with another.