The quote from Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" suggests that neuroticism involves the struggle of desiring two conflicting things simultaneously. This internal conflict can create turmoil, leading to feelings of anxiety and confusion. Plath’s character embodies this struggle, experiencing a constant push and pull between opposing desires and expectations.
The notion of being "neurotic as hell" reflects a universal human experience of grappling with contradictory wants. It underscores a sense of inevitability in this conflict, suggesting that one might continuously oscillate between these opposing desires throughout life. Plath's exploration of this theme resonates with anyone familiar with the complexities of human emotion and the challenge of making choices amidst conflicting desires.