Yet there was something gratifyingly real about being called a bitch, a whore, a blond tramp. Where so much was a dreamy haze, anything promising to be real was bracing.
The quote reflects a complex relationship with harsh labels and the sense of reality they bring. Despite their negativity, being called derogatory terms like "bitch" or "whore" offers a sense of tangible authenticity in a world filled with illusion or unreality. This contrast reveals a desire for genuine experiences, even if they are uncomfortable or hurtful.
Oates’ exploration of identity through these terms shows how societal perceptions can impact a person’s self-view. The protagonist may find a strange comfort in receiving such blunt, uncensored feedback, as it cuts through the ambiguity of existence and connects her to a raw, unfiltered truth about herself and her circumstances.
