In Margaret Atwood's novel "Alias Grace," the character grapples with the constraints of her identity, feeling confined within a metaphorical "doll." This imagery reflects her struggle to express her authentic self, suggesting that societal expectations and personal trauma can impede one's ability to communicate their true thoughts and feelings.

The quote highlights the theme of silence and repression in the face of external pressures. The character's experience resonates with the broader human condition, where individuals may feel trapped by their circumstances, unable to fully reveal who they are or what they truly think.