In "Middlesex," Jeffrey Eugenides illustrates Milton's internal struggle, portraying him as a statue slowly being sculpted from within. This metaphor highlights how Milton feels hollow and burdened by painful thoughts, which he increasingly chooses to avoid. His mind becomes a source of discomfort, leading him to focus on more comforting ideas rather than confronting difficult realities.

As Milton withdraws from introspection, he ultimately stops critically evaluating his life. This avoidance signifies a broader theme of escapism, where he clings to simplistic reassurances that everything will turn out fine. The narrative suggests that, in his quest for relief, Milton forfeits a deeper understanding of himself and his circumstances.