The Quest for Identity
A similarity between historical texts and modern texts is the theme of quest for identity. In most works of literature, the quest for identity is described as an exceptionally captivating journey filled with ups-and-downs and unexpected events where one begins to understand their self clearly. The “quest” is truly like a roller-coaster as realizations come to light and facts are uncovered. Most of the times, during the quest for identity, the characters show a period of growth and understanding that set a positive path for the rest of their lives. However, in some novels, the characters who go on a voyage for identity end up discovering a harsh truth that sends them into a downward spiral. While I think the quest for identity is an important journey everyone will take, I feel that the amount of questioning of “who am I” or “where do I belong” should be limited.
For example in Oedipus Rex, Oedipus’s path takes a turn for the worse when he uncovers the truth about his fate and realizes that he was always destined to walk down the path of unknowingly murdering his father. Even though fate steered him to make these drastic moves, perhaps the chain of events leading up to his downfall would have been less catastrophic had he not went searching for his identity set by Apollo.
On the contrary to this, Pip from the novel Great Expectations shows immense growth as he acquires a mature outlook of life. At the beginning of the novel, he is characterized as a character who values wealth, class and material possessions and believes that these are the defining characteristics embodying a person. However, as he is catapulted into high-class society, he builds many new relationships and experiences different events that cause him to ponder on what kind of person he wanted to be and what values really mattered to him. He soon realizes that virtues and human nature triumphs over material possessions and begins to try to integrate these important qualities into his personality.
Another novel that displays character growth is the Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. In the beginning of the novel, the main character who is nicknamed Milkman is characterized as a self-absorbed person with little regard to others struggles and feelings. He often is shown to strut and show off his wealth in an attempt to be integrated into white society. Because of this, he was isolated from his African American community but doesn’t quite fit into white society because of his racial identity. Due to these sentiments, Milkman goes through a period where he is essentially lost and certain experiences bring to light crucial realizations. One day after he is driving back from his aunt’s house with his friend, Guitar, he is pulled over by the police and his car is searched. Along the ride, Milkman reflects on the reasons he was pulled over but is unable to come to a comprehensive conclusion since he was following the speed limit and all road rules. He quickly realizes that he was perceived as suspicious due to the color of his skin. This new realization prompts Milkman to be more empathetic of his community’s racial discrimination but still cannot relate to their financial hardships. Even though Milkman shows tremendous growth, he still does not find a definitive place for him in society.
In the story Saving Sourdi, the quest for identity is brought to light in a new technique by analyzing the diversions of a once convergent dream. Nea explains how she and her sister would often discuss running away together to start a new life with endless possibilities for themselves. Nea continues to uphold this dream and hope to fulfill this throughout the story while Sourdi abandons it. Nea’s naivety and defiant nature helps to characterize her identity as too large to fit in the small world she is currently involved in. Sourdi is presented this way too when first introduced in the novel but begins to stray away from this path when she marries Mr. Chhay. At first, we can see Sourdi trying to uphold her strong-minded identity early on in her marriage when she confides in her mother. But later she is seen to accept the conventional life of marriage and children as her identity that separates her from all the liberating opportunities she had once crafted with Nea. On the other hand, Nea tries to save Sourdi’s identity by going to rescue her. However, at this point Sourdi had already gone through her “quest” and settled on a new life. Nea realizes that her identity is separate than that of Sourdi and she cannot envision one future applicable to both of them. They now both value different things and she cannot impose her expectations for life on Sourdi because she had her own aspirations stemming from her “new” sense of “identity” that could be viewed as a setback.
In the novel A Place for Us, the theme of the quest of identity is also presented. The plot revolves around a nuclear, first-generation immigrant family who instill traditional values regarding religion and culture in each other. The youngest son, Amar, constantly questions his religion and feels guilty for not identifying with his religious and cultural heritage. Because of this, he begins to split from the family and indulges in activities that his family disapproves of. Recognizing their emotional pain, Amar leaves home to “find himself” and isn’t seen by the family for several years later when he decides to come to his sister’s wedding. On his quest to find himself, he ends up spiraling downwards into drugs and alcohol, which ultimately do not help him achieve his goal. Rather than harming himself and his family, it would’ve been more beneficial for him to embrace the values and identity his family had been touting. Both of his sisters did so and ended up with much more stability, peace and happiness in their lives.
In conclusion, the way the quest for identity is presented in novels is described as a detailed, gradual and intimate moment for the character. However, the characters who end up indulging their entire existence scouring for who they are end up declining. Rather, it is the characters who periodically reflect on events and enhance their understanding gradually are the ones we see who actually “find” themselves in the end.
Recommended Reading:
The Female Hero’s Quest for Identity in Novels by Modern American Women Writers
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