In Thomas Wolfe's "Of Time and the River," the protagonist grapples with the overwhelming presence of countless unread books. Each book he picks up amplifies his sense of ignorance, as he realizes that the more he reads, the more he becomes aware of the vast sea of knowledge he cannot access. This realization creates a poignant sense of despair, highlighting the paradox of learning: the more one knows, the more one understands the limits of their own knowledge.
The endless possibilities represented by these unread books trigger a profound emotional response in the character. The anticipation of the knowledge that awaits him, combined with the recognition of what will remain unknown, weighs heavily on his heart. This conflict illustrates a deep hunger for understanding, emphasizing the never-ending pursuit of learning and the heartache that comes with recognizing the limits of one's reach in the literary world.