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Recommended: Identity in english literature

Identity is the fact of being what or who a person or thing is. It can be determined by their characteristics, physical appearance and social class.In this essay I will explore how behaviour can be changed to hide an individual's true identity so that they appear to display certain characteristics and qualities, which in reality they do not attain. I will do this by presenting a comparative analysis of the two novels ('The Lady in The Lake' by Raymond Chandler and The 'Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins) by comparing and contrasting the way in which they authors present the theme of identity. I will explore how two characters alter their behaviour in order to depict distorted identity of themselves. I will focus on the character of Muriel Chess from the Lady in the Lake, and Sir Percival Glyde from the Woman in White.

In Chandler's novel, he structures the plot as an investigation to correspond with the genre of detective fiction. He does this by using first person narrative from the perspective of detective Philip Marlowe throughout the whole novel, thus the reader finds out new information as he does.

This contrasts with the way in which Collins structures TWIW. Although the novel is also detective fiction, it is presented in sections, from multiple viewpoints and documents and pieced together like a case being presented to a court of law. Collins too uses first person narrative, but the narrator changes as the novel progresses.

Chandler uses short declarative sentences from Marlowe to slowly feed the woman (who we know to be Muriel) information she already knows, to see her reaction. “I thought you might have had a fight with her - about Bill”. This is effective as it adds to Marlowe’s role as a detective as he manipulates t...

... middle of paper ...

...ortable, enticing her to join in bad-mouthing her husband, Bill Chess. In contrast to this, the language used throughout TWIW is of a formal register throughout. “Will you excuse my obstinacy if I shall venture to press it” the register of this quotation is highly formal, in asking for forgiveness for his stubbornness. It echoes the idea of the importance and formality of the situation, created by their social statuses.

Sir Percival is portrayed by Collins as a well repeated, highly mannered Baronet. “May I beg that you will write at once...”. Percival appears to try to avoid shame being brought upon an individual, evident with the auxiliary verb ‘may’, making him sound timid and caring. By the word choice of the verb ‘beg’ it appears as though he is requesting pity and forgiveness from Marian. He appears a gentleman thus shielding his true identity and gentleman.

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