The quote reflects a sense of nostalgia and complexity regarding body image and identity. The narrator reminisces about their past feelings of insecurity, contrasting that with Desdemona's confidence in her voluptuous figure. This comparison highlights the tension between societal standards of beauty and personal acceptance. It suggests an underlying exploration of femininity and body consciousness.

In "Middlesex," Jeffrey Eugenides intricately weaves themes of identity, self-perception, and transformation. Through the characters' experiences, he delves into the ways physical appearance can shape one’s narrative, tying personal histories to broader cultural contexts. This particular reflection emphasizes the evolving nature of self-acceptance as it relates to both past and present identities.