In Haruki Murakami's novel "After Dark," the profound silence that envelops the characters serves as a backdrop to their lives, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and introspective. This silence is more than just an absence of noise; it symbolizes a deeper emotional pain that resonates with the characters, leading them to confront their own isolation and longing. The stillness is depicted in a way that magnifies their internal struggles and highlights the complexities of human connection.

The quote, "The silence is so deep it hurts our ears," encapsulates the suffocating nature of this quiet. It emphasizes how even silence can be agonizing and speaks to the often-unseen emotional turmoil the characters experience. Murakami skillfully uses this silence as a narrative device, weaving it into the fabric of the story to explore themes of loneliness, intimacy, and the human condition in a world that often feels disconnected.