I was not a hypocrite, with one real face and several false ones. I had several faces because I was young and didn't know who I was or wanted to be.
The quote reflects the struggle of youth in discovering one's identity. The speaker acknowledges that the multiple personas they exhibit are not acts of hypocrisy, but rather a natural part of their search for self. It's a poignant reminder that in the formative years, individuals often try on different identities as they explore who they might become.
This notion speaks to the broader theme in Milan Kundera's "The Joke," where the complexities of personal identity and the journey of self-discovery are central. The character's admission suggests that the fluidity of identity in youth can lead to confusion, as one navigates the expectations and realities of life while trying to understand their true self.
