In "Hunger," Roxane Gay explores the deep-seated desires and cravings that shape her life, emphasizing the tension between yearning for fulfillment and the fear of embracing it. She reflects on the struggles of wanting things that seem just out of reach, suggesting that her desires often clash with societal expectations and personal limitations. This conflict leaves her grappling with a sense of unfulfilled longing.

Gay's narrative reveals the complexities of her relationship with her body and self-acceptance, portraying the challenges of living in a world that imposes strict ideals of beauty and worth. The essence of her struggle lies in the paradox of craving what she feels unworthy of, illuminating broader themes of identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of contentment amidst societal pressures.