In her journal, Sylvia Plath reflects on the social pressures and personal struggles she faces. She suggests that wearing a mask is necessary for her to navigate the world, where she aims to project an image of calmness and composure. This facade helps her conceal her inner feelings of emptiness and fear, reflecting a deeper struggle with her identity and mental state.

This passage highlights Plath's awareness of societal expectations and the lengths to which individuals go to fit in. By cultivating an illusion of being gay and serene, she acknowledges both her desire for acceptance and the pain of feeling hollow beneath the surface. This duality is a recurring theme in her writings, revealing the complexities of her emotional life.