In the context of Franz Kafka's letters to Milena, love is portrayed as a complex and sometimes painful experience. The metaphor of being a knife suggests that love can inflict deep emotional wounds, yet this pain is intertwined with a profound affection. Kafka's exploration of love reflects its dual nature, where the intensity of feelings can lead to both suffering and deep connection.

This sentiment emphasizes that true love can evoke a mixture of passion and anguish, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with deeply caring for another person. Kafka's writing reveals the intricacies of relationships, illustrating how love can be both beautiful and tormenting, much like the acts of running a knife within oneself.