The emotional moment in which Banaka expresses his deep existential despair highlights a profound philosophical question posed by Goethe: "Is one man alive when others are alive?" This inquiry probes the essence of individuality and existence. It suggests that the presence of others raises questions about one's own identity and significance. Through writing, individuals create their own worlds, each becoming a distinct universe in which their unique perspectives thrive.

Kundera emphasizes the importance of uniqueness in this concept of universes, referring to celebrated writers whose works encapsulate their distinct realities, such as Balzac and Kafka. When another universe is introduced, it can challenge the very essence of one's own creative existence. Thus, the act of writing and creating becomes both a personal endeavor and a universal contention, exploring the delicate balance between individuality and the collective existence of humanity.