In "Angle of Repose" by Wallace Stegner, the protagonist grapples with her past and the emotional complexities that come with it. She has experiences and memories that she chooses to ignore, suggesting an internal struggle with certain aspects of her life. This metaphor of having "rooms in her mind" symbolizes the parts of her psyche that she avoids confronting, illustrating the universal human tendency to evade painful memories.
The quote highlights the idea that individuals often have unresolved issues or traumas that they prefer to leave untouched. These mental rooms can represent both fear and the protection one seeks from facing difficulties. Stegner’s narrative invites readers to reflect on their own emotional battlegrounds and the importance of facing the truths we keep hidden away.