In her memoir "Hunger," Roxane Gay explores the complex relationship she has with her body, which she metaphorically describes as a cage that she constructed herself. This concept reflects her struggles with identity, self-acceptance, and the societal pressures that shape perceptions of body image. Gay's candid reflections illustrate her ongoing quest for liberation from the constraints imposed by her own experiences and societal expectations.

Throughout the book, Gay articulates the deep emotional turmoil associated with her body and the desire to find freedom from that turmoil. Her journey is not just about physicality but also about reclaiming agency over her identity and understanding the profound impact of trauma on her life. This quest for escape signifies a broader struggle many face in reconciling their inner selves with the bodies they inhabit.