In Kafka's "Letters to Milena," he reflects on the persistent pain of carrying an unhealed wound within oneself. The metaphor of an arrow lodged in the body symbolizes enduring emotional or psychological suffering that cannot be easily addressed or forgotten. This imagery evokes the idea that such pain is a continual presence, affecting every moment, whether a person is awake or asleep.

The quote highlights the intensity of this experience, suggesting that the hurt is embedded deeply within a person's being, as if it defines their existence. Kafka's poignant expression emphasizes that, unlike mere physical ailments that can be seen, this kind of suffering is often invisible and profoundly isolating, indicating a struggle that persists throughout life.