In Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar," the protagonist grapples with her identity and the perceptions of others. She expresses confusion over why she attracts attention for her appearance, feeling that there are many individuals who stand out more than she does. This highlights her struggle with self-acceptance and the societal pressures to conform to certain norms of appearance and behavior.
The quote reflects a broader theme of the novel, where the protagonist feels disconnected from a world that often judges based on superficial attributes. It encapsulates her internal conflict and the sense of alienation she experiences, suggesting that the struggle for authenticity in a conformist society is a central challenge for her character.