In "Lonesome Dove," the imagery used reveals the intense emotional struggle of the character. The sensation of having life trapped in the throat symbolizes a profound internal conflict, where feelings and experiences cannot be expressed or processed. This moment encapsulates the character's overwhelming struggle to articulate their past and present burdens.
The quote emphasizes the weight of unresolved feelings, showcasing how life experiences can become unbearable. It conveys a sense of stasis, where the individual is caught between the act of releasing the pain and the inability to do so. Such an emotional stalemate highlights the nature of human complexity and the impact of unvoiced struggles on one's life journey.