In her memoir "Hunger," Roxane Gay explores the painful introspection that often accompanies the night. As darkness falls, she confronts her struggles and the inadequacies she feels in her life. The solitude of the night forces her to reflect on her past, particularly her failures and vulnerabilities related to her body image and self-worth.

Gay's quote highlights the difficulty of self-acceptance and the weight of societal expectations. The night becomes a metaphor for her internal battles, revealing how external pressures can lead to deep personal conflicts. Through her narrative, she encapsulates the journey of coming to terms with one's identity amidst a backdrop of shame and longing for acceptance.