Reflective Essay: Daphne's Lack Of Identity

Identity is constructed of personality traits, feelings, values and beliefs, interest and ample other aspects within itself. Identity differs from person to person. It is what makes us our own, it makes us like no other. Most importantly, identity makes our world diverse and rich in complexity. Reflecting on my own identity, I recognize similarities to Daphne’s love of hunting, Gregor Samsa being misunderstood by those around him, and the lack of belonging felt by Pat Mora.

I recognize a similarity of identity with Daphne from The Metamorphoses by the Greek poet Ovid because we both have a very deep love for hunting. Daphne’s love for hunting is so robust that she prefers hunting over love, and family. “She wondered silent paths, for never could her modesty endure the glance of a man or listen to his love.” I discern that this part of her identity is very similar as my own. I can relate to Daphne because we as a pair put mind over manner, and put our priorities first. In this case hunting is much more salient than finding love with a man of no favor. Daphne has a very close relationship with her father

“Balancing between the fringes of both words by smiling, by masking the discomfort, of being prejudged…” In this statement Pat Mora is stating how she feels about being prejudged by her peers. In certain circumstances I often feel I am being judged by people who don’t know me also. “Able to sit in a paneled office drafting memos in smooth English to ordering in fluent Spanish at a Mexican restaurant.” This proves that I and Pat Mora both have two different life styles in different environments. In my case, I am shy and often quiet in school. At home I am often loud and act myself around my family, thus supporting my claim about sharing similar identities with Pat