The quote reflects a deep disconnection between identity and physical appearance. The speaker grapples with the idea that the face they present to the world does not truly represent their internal self. They emphasize a lack of agency over their appearance, suggesting that it is merely a facade that society imposes upon them. This speaks to a broader theme of how individuals can feel estranged from their own identities.
In the context of Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," this sentiment highlights the struggle between individuality and societal expectations. The narrator’s assertion that they have not seen themselves reveals an existential crisis, where the lines between self-perception and external perception blur. The character is trapped not only within the confines of a physical body but also in societal judgments about identity, ultimately prompting readers to question what it truly means to know oneself.