The quote reflects a sense of existential detachment experienced by the speaker. As characters like Doreen, Lenny Shepherd, and Frankie appear to fade away alongside the city of New York, there is a feeling of loss and insignificance that permeates the narrative. The phrase underscores a theme of dissolution, suggesting that the connections once held with these figures no longer hold weight or meaning in the speaker's life.

This detachment ties into broader themes of isolation and mental health that are woven throughout "The Bell Jar." The speaker's assertion of purity highlights a desire for clarity and truth amidst the chaos of the dissolving relationships and surroundings. It suggests a struggle to maintain a sense of self in a world where everything feels transient and ultimately unimportant.