In Joyce Carol Oates' "I Lock My Door Upon Myself," the protagonist grapples with her independence, emphasizing that her identity and self-worth are self-contained. The quote "My self is all to me. I don't have any need of you" encapsulates her determination to be self-reliant and to find fulfillment within herself, rather than through external relationships. This reflects a theme of self-empowerment and the complexity of personal isolation.

Throughout the narrative, the protagonist explores the balance between solitude and connection. While she acknowledges the absence of others, she ultimately asserts that her sense of self is paramount. Oates delves into the intricacies of loneliness and the quest for self-discovery, highlighting how one's inner world can be sufficient, regardless of the presence or absence of others in their life.