In A.S. Byatt's "The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye," a character grapples with feelings of frustration and anger stemming from her untapped potential. She recognizes that she possesses abilities and possibilities that remain undefined and inaccessible to her, which leads to a sense of confusion akin to bad dreams. This internal struggle reflects her desire to harness her true power but feels constrained by societal expectations.

The character's contemplation leads her to consider that if she were a man, the ambitions and thoughts she has might not only be accepted but encouraged. This realization emphasizes the gender disparities in society, where women's power and aspirations are often minimized or viewed with suspicion, while men's are seen as ordinary. Her struggle is both personal and a commentary on broader social norms that dictate what is acceptable for women.