The quote from Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" reflects a profound emotional response to loss and grief. By expressing a reluctance to identify a body or even see it, the speaker highlights the coping mechanism of avoidance. This reaction suggests a desire to hold onto hope and the belief that the individual is still alive, emphasizing how confronting death can be overwhelming.

This sentiment reveals the intricacies of human emotions when faced with mortality. The speaker's belief that not seeing the body can make it easier to deny death underscores the psychological struggle many experience during times of loss. It illustrates a poignant aspect of grief—the need to protect oneself from the harsh reality of a loved one’s absence.