I was trying my damnedest to lead a conventional life, for that was how I was brought up, and it was what my husband wanted of me. But one can't build little white picket fences to keep nightmares out.
This quote reflects the tension between societal expectations and personal inner turmoil. The speaker struggles to conform to the traditional image of domestic bliss, symbolized by white picket fences, but recognizes that such external appearances cannot shield against internal fears and nightmares. It highlights the limitations of superficial commitments and the importance of confronting inner realities rather than hiding behind societal masks. The acknowledgment of these conflicting forces invites a deeper understanding of personal authenticity versus societal conformity, emphasizing that true peace requires addressing one's inner struggles rather than attempting to suppress them.