In Ken Kesey's "Sometimes a Great Notion," the protagonist struggles with her self-worth and the perception of her importance in someone else's life. Despite her attempts to convince herself otherwise, she can't shake the feeling that she isn't as essential to him as she desires. This internal conflict highlights her vulnerabilities and need for validation.

The tension between her efforts to suppress these thoughts and the reality of her emotions illustrates a common human experience—struggling to reconcile feelings of love and dependency with the fear of rejection. Ultimately, this creates a profound sense of longing and uncertainty in their relationship.