Understanding Hubris in Literary Context

In the realm of contemporary literature, the author deftly wields irony to critique societal norms, presenting characters caught in an elaborate web of expectation and desire. With each turn of the page, the reader is invited to grapple with the characters' decisions, all while the veil of theatrics masks their true intentions. For instance, one character, with an almost palpable sense of hubris, makes daring proclamations about dismantling superficial standards—yet their underlying motives reflect a desperate need for acceptance. This intentional dissonance creates a rich tapestry of narrative that challenges the reader to discern authenticity amidst pretense.

In the context of the excerpt, what does the word 'hubris' most closely mean?