In "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides, the struggle against hair represents a deeper conflict with identity and societal expectations. The characters endure pain and discomfort in their quest for smoothness, highlighting the extremes people go to in order to conform to beauty standards. The mention of rashes from creams underlines the physical toll of this pursuit, suggesting that such efforts may be in vain.

The futility of their battle against hair symbolizes a larger theme of confronting life's challenges and the inevitability of certain aspects of existence. Just as hair is seemingly invincible, so too are the forces in life that shape one’s identity, illustrating the complex relationship individuals have with both their bodies and societal norms.