The quote "I hit the spacebar again and again and again. My life story was spaces" from Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" reflects a feeling of emptiness and longing in the character's life. The repetitive action of hitting the spacebar symbolizes a search for meaning and connection amidst vast gaps in understanding and experience. It emphasizes the notion that life's moments can sometimes feel devoid of substance, much like the spaces between words.
This sentiment mirrors the sometimes overwhelming complexity of personal relationships and loss. The character’s struggle to find clarity in a world filled with emotional voids illustrates how space—both physical and emotional—can define and impact one's life narrative. Through this lens, Foer invites readers to consider the significance of those empty spaces and their profound influence on identity and belonging.