"It's a terrible thing to be alone - yes it is - it is - but don't lower your mask until you have another mask prepared beneath - as terrible as you like - but a mask"

In this quote by Katherine Mansfield, the expedition of human privacy and the protective barriers we construct is poignantly recorded. Mansfield begins by acknowledging the intrinsic human fear and pain related to isolation, emphasizing it with repetition: "It's a dreadful thing to be alone - yes it is - it is". This repetition highlights the ingrained dread that solitude stimulates, reflecting an universal truth about the human experience. Nevertheless, Mansfield does not leave the idea of isolation as simply negative; rather, she explores the complex interaction between authenticity and self-preservation.

The latter part of the quote recommends caution in revealing one's true self to the world. The metaphor of the "mask" represents the personality or exterior individuals present to others to navigate social interactions and protect themselves from vulnerability. Mansfield recommends that although solitude is difficult, prematurely revealing our unguarded selves without a prepared secure-- a "mask" underneath-- can be perilous. The duplicated admonition to maintain a mask, even a "awful" one, mean the requirement of having layers of identity or protection ready to deal with life's difficulties and connections with others.

Mansfield's usage of the word "mask" not just concerns the authenticity of our interactions however also highlights the adaptive and in some cases defensive nature of building exteriors. The idea of keeping a mask in reserve highlights a tactical act of self-preservation. It suggests that revealing one's true self should be a deliberate and careful choice rather than a spontaneous action prompted by solitude.

In sum, Mansfield's quote works as both an acknowledgment of the profound fear of isolation and a reflection on the need for protective facades in social spaces. It prompts readers to consider the masks they use and the value of securing one's true self, reminding us of the delicate balance in between credibility and protection in human relationships.