In Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar," the narrator reflects on a poignant moment marked by dried blood on her cheeks. Rather than wash it away, she finds a certain beauty and meaning in the stains, suggesting they hold a significant emotional weight. This choice to retain them signifies a connection to a past experience or loss, akin to a cherished reminder of a deceased loved one.

The imagery of carrying the bloodstains as a relic emphasizes the narrator's complex feelings about suffering and identity. It illustrates her struggle to reconcile her pain with a sense of self, turning what could be seen as a mark of distress into a symbol of personal significance. This moment encapsulates the themes of memory and the lasting impact of trauma in her journey.