Roxane Gay's reflection in "Hunger" highlights the disconnect between her mental self and her physical reality. For an extended period, she experienced a dichotomy between her true self and the embodiment of her struggles with weight. This conflict was essential for her survival, suggesting that her mental resilience allowed her to navigate the challenges of her body image.

The quote encapsulates a profound internal struggle, revealing how Gay coped with the dissonance between her self-perception and her physical presence. It emphasizes the complexity of identity and the ways in which trauma and societal pressures can shape one's experience, underscoring the need for self-acceptance and understanding.