In Roxane Gay's "An Untamed State," the complexities of human experience are vividly depicted through the lens of the protagonist, who grapples with the coexistence of beauty and horror in life. The character reflects on their observations and acknowledges that while they appreciate the beauty around them, they cannot ignore the darker aspects of reality. This honest perspective highlights the struggle to reconcile positive and negative experiences, suggesting that denying the latter is untruthful.

This internal conflict emphasizes the importance of authenticity in understanding life. The character's candid statement urges others to confront reality without rose-colored glasses, advocating for a more nuanced view of the world. By confronting both the beautiful and the terrible, the narrative encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, fostering resilience and deeper empathy along the way.