Meaning: Mary MacLane's quote provides insight into the personal nature of her book and the motivations behind its creation. In this quote, MacLane emphasizes that her book was not originally intended for publication, but rather served as a means of expressing her emotions and analyzing her own inner life during a specific period of her youth. By sharing her thoughts on the nature of her book, MacLane offers a glimpse into the intimate and introspective nature of her writing process.

"The book, you understand, was not written for publication."
In this part of the quote, Mary MacLane indicates that the book in question was not initially intended for public consumption. This suggests that the content of the book is deeply personal and may contain raw, unfiltered emotions and reflections that were not originally meant to be shared with a wider audience. This sentiment highlights the private and introspective nature of the work, emphasizing its origins as a personal exploration rather than a piece of literature crafted for public consumption.

"It was the portrayal of my emotions, the analysis of my own soul life during three months of my nineteenth year."
MacLane's description of the book as a portrayal of her emotions and an analysis of her own soul life provides insight into the themes and content of her writing. By framing the book as a reflection of her inner emotional landscape during a specific period of her youth, MacLane reveals the deeply personal and introspective nature of her work. This suggests that the book may offer a candid and unfiltered glimpse into the author's innermost thoughts and feelings, providing a poignant exploration of her experiences and emotions during a formative time in her life.

"I wrote then all the time, just as I do now, but, though the book is in diary form, it is not a diary."
In this part of the quote, MacLane reflects on her consistent writing habits and the format of the book. Despite the book being presented in diary form, she asserts that it is not a traditional diary. This distinction implies that while the book may adopt the structure of a diary, its purpose and content transcend the typical conventions of a daily journal. Instead, the book serves as a deeper exploration of her inner world, offering a more profound and introspective portrayal of her emotions and experiences during the specified period of her life.

By examining Mary MacLane's quote, we gain a deeper understanding of the personal and introspective nature of her book. It becomes evident that the work originated as a means for the author to express her emotions, analyze her inner life, and document her experiences during a pivotal time in her youth. Consequently, the quote provides valuable context for interpreting and appreciating the deeply personal and introspective nature of MacLane's writing.