In Stephen King's novel "11/22/63," the quote reflects the theme of identity and perception. When someone adopts a disguise, such as a clown suit, it obscures their true self, allowing for a disconnect between their outward appearance and inner reality. This emphasizes how people often hide their authentic selves behind facades, which can lead to misunderstanding and superficial judgments from others.

The metaphor of the clown suit suggests that even though one may seem playful or entertaining on the outside, it does not reveal the complexities or struggles that lie beneath the surface. This resonates with the broader narrative of the book, which explores the consequences of choices and the layers of human experience that are often overlooked in everyday interactions.