In A.S. Byatt's "Possession," the character expresses a deep longing for poetic identity, aspiring to embody both a poet and a poem. This desire reflects the struggle between the aspirations of creativity and the reality of self-fulfillment, highlighting the emotional complexity of artistic ambition.
The quote encapsulates the tension between dreams and the truth of one's existence. It signifies a profound disillusionment where the individual grapples with unfulfilled potential, revealing a poignant commentary on the nature of artistic pursuit and identity.