Joan Didion's reflections in "The White Album" convey a deep struggle with the significance of integrity and promises in a chaotic world. She grapples with the feeling that the fundamental values she learned are losing their relevance, leading to a sense of confusion about life's true meanings. Didion's introspection highlights her internal conflict as she questions the very fabric of societal expectations and moral certainties.

As she examines her surroundings and experiences, Didion expresses a growing disconnection from the ideals that once guided her life. The uncertainty of her worldview amplifies the obscurity of what truly matters, making it difficult for her to hold onto traditional notions of promise-keeping. Her essays offer a poignant exploration of a world where familiar truths feel increasingly distant.