In Mary McCarthy's "The Oasis," the protagonist reflects on the loss of personal freedom in a society that lacks privacy. She yearns for the ability to express herself emotionally, particularly in distressing times, without the scrutiny of onlookers. This sense of vulnerability highlights the importance of having a personal space where individuals can express their grief and act out without judgment.

The protagonist feels that Utopia, while seemingly ideal, strips away her fundamental rights. The constant presence of watchers makes her feel confined, preventing her from experiencing the raw human emotions that come with grief. This loss emphasizes her desire for a world where she can feel free to "behave badly" in response to her feelings, which is a poignant commentary on the human need for emotional expression in a controlled environment.