In this passage from Samuel Beckett's "Murphy," the protagonist experiences a conflict between his inner thoughts and external realities. He feels trapped in a mental state depicted as a fading light, unable to escape his own mind. This struggle highlights the dependence on external circumstances for personal movement and peace. The man in bed longs for sleep while a rat behind the wall represents a yearning for freedom, creating a tension between their needs.

The imagery suggests a shared discontent; both the man and the rat are in a state of agitation. The man’s desire for rest is disrupted by the rat, while the rat hesitates to disturb the man’s struggle with insomnia. This interplay illustrates how individuals may find themselves in a symbiotic relationship of need, where one’s peace relies on the actions or inactions of another, leading to a state of mutual unhappiness or potential contentment through understanding.