In "Everything Is Illuminated," Jonathan Safran Foer explores themes of communication and connection through a character who seems indifferent to those around him. The quote highlights a moment where the character fails to engage with a conversation, emphasizing a sense of disconnection. This lack of attentiveness reflects a deeper commentary on social interactions and the barriers that can exist even in casual settings.

The phrase "sociable only with peanuts" suggests that the character prefers superficial engagement with objects rather than meaningful relationships with people. This juxtaposition illustrates the loneliness that can stem from prioritizing material or trivial aspects of life over genuine human connections, which is a prevalent theme throughout the novel.