Essay On The Sense Of Identity

Our sense of belonging can change according to our perceptions of the world around us. Belonging is a part of human nature,and it can be enriched or challenged by our ever-shifting contexts. Significant experiences in life can often limit an individuals sense of belonging. The choices you make to overcome experiences, that can include barriers can enrich ones sense of identity. Barriers may arise when the individual fails to connect with community. They may also be evident due to cultural differences. The Crucible written by Arthur Miller and Shaun Tan’s The Arrival utilise various techniques such as juxtaposition symbolism and metaphors that explore the notions of enriched or limited sense of belonging using characters or real historical contexts to convey the complex nature of belonging.

Arthur Miller explores the choices that may improve or create boundaries for a person in a community or place. John Proctor is a conflicted individual in terms of his identity. He chose to break the boundaries of marriage by having an affair with Abigail. With this choice he no longer sees himself deserving of his honest reputation, “respected and even feared in Salem, has come to regard himself as a fraud”. He now regards himself as a hypocrite and he has limited his sense of belonging as he is left to judge himself as the community of Salem does not know of his infidelity and his wife reluctantly forgives him. Elizabeth’s metaphor “the magistrate sits in your heart” foregrounds for responders that Proctor must eventually forgive himself if he is to experience an enriched sense of self. Proctors hyperbolic retort: “Your justice would freeze beer;” reminds us that scarred human relationships can also negatively impact our sense of belonging....

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...ndings are unfamiliar to him and profoundly limit his sense of self. the persons experience of settling into a new and unfamiliar world, effects his sense of identity and limits his ability to belong

Proctor, Parris and Tans persona all struggle with finding a sense of belonging. Proctor; because of his past transgression has to grapple with his sense of self worth until he can ultimately feel like he belongs with Elizabeth. Parris; even though he’s leader of the church, his fear and paranoia limit his sense of belonging in Salem. Tans persona faces cultural isolation which cause him to develop a feeling of isolation, leading to a limited sense of belong. Both of the composers use techniques such as metaphors, juxtaposition and symbolism to highlight notions of limited or enriched sense of belongings by the use of characters to convey the nature of belonging.