The quote reflects a profound journey of self-discovery through travel. The speaker experiences a newfound freedom in solitude, reveling in the absence of connections or obligations that often accompany shared spaces. This independence offers an exhilarating sense of power and anonymity previously unknown to them.

Furthermore, the comparison to being "dead" emphasizes a release from past identities or expectations. By stepping away from familiar ties, the protagonist taps into an empowering experience reminiscent of the strength possessed by the mother figure, exploring themes of liberation and personal growth in Jhumpa Lahiri's narrative.