In "The Broken Bridge" by Philip Pullman, the theme of identity is central to the narrative. The character Ginny expresses her struggle with self-identity, revealing her feelings of disconnection from her true self. She bitterly states that to be herself, she feels obligated to adopt a persona, indicating her inner turmoil and confusion about her identity.

This quote encapsulates the dichotomy between societal expectations and personal truth. Ginny's confession highlights the difficulty many individuals face in reconciling their authentic selves with the roles they feel compelled to play, underscoring the profound question of self-discovery and acceptance.