In the novel "Xenocide" by Orson Scott Card, the protagonist contemplates the nature of love and possession. He questions whether true love can exist without the desire to claim or control another person. This reflection raises profound inquiries about human relationships and the instinctive need for territoriality, which manifests in our connections with loved ones.

The author explores the complexity of love, suggesting that the yearning to possess those we care about may be ingrained in us. This internal struggle between affection and ownership prompts a deeper understanding of the dynamics in friendships, marriages, and romantic bonds.