In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," the protagonist grapples with the oppressive realities of a dystopian society where individual identity is heavily dictated by societal roles. The quote, "I don't want to see it. I don't want to look at something that determines me so completely," reflects a profound desire to resist being defined by external factors, particularly the dehumanizing labels assigned to women in this regime.

This statement underscores a central theme in the novel: the struggle for autonomy and self-identity. As characters navigate their constraints, the desire to reject imposed identities highlights a universal yearning for personal freedom and the right to define oneself outside societal expectations.