In Anaïs Nin's "A Spy in the House of Love," the protagonist reflects on the symbolic meaning of the cape she wears, which embodies a sense of empowerment and the qualities she associates with masculinity. This garment, with its dramatic flair, seems to encapsulate traits like confidence, daring, and a boldness that she feels are often unattainable for women. It represents a longing for the freedoms and audacity that society restricts for her gender.
The quote highlights her awareness of the limitations placed on women and her desire to break free from those constraints. By embodying these masculine traits through the cape, she seeks a sense of liberation and self-expression that defies traditional gender roles, suggesting the intricate interplay between identity, desire, and societal expectations in her journey of self-discovery.