In Margaret Atwood's "Morning in the Burned House," the speaker grapples with the paradox of transparency. Although people desire to understand her fully, the idea of complete openness can be misleading and obscure the truth. The quote suggests that what seems clear may actually hide deeper complexities, making total exposure counterproductive.

This notion reflects the broader theme of perception versus reality. Atwood implies that striving for absolute transparency may lead to misunderstandings, as individuals often interpret openness through their own biases. The desire to be seen can result in a facade that conceals one's true self instead of revealing it.