I'd think, That ain't me, that ain't my face. It wasn't even me when I was trying to be that face. I wasn't even really me then; I was just being the way I looked, the way people wanted. It don't seem like I ever have been me.
The quote reflects a deep sense of identity struggle and disconnection from one's true self. The speaker expresses the feeling of not recognizing themselves despite attempting to conform to external expectations. This highlights a profound internal conflict where the individual's essence is overshadowed by societal pressures and perceptions.
The sentiment echoes throughout Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," where characters grapple with the constraints placed upon them by both society and themselves. The search for authenticity amidst these challenges emphasizes the universal quest for self-identity and the fear of losing oneself in the process of fitting in.
