The process of identity formation and further development has always required thorough discussion due to its complexity. Themes of finding oneself and truly staying devoted to that idea have prevailed for decades in literature and other forms of art. While each person determines their own pathway in life depending on personal circumstances, the impact of their culture in the process is inevitable. Historical events and the consequential works of significant historical figures have shaped the culture-specific formation of one’s selfhood. In the case of American culture, the concepts of freedom, nationality, and migrations are prominent. In that way, each individual cultivates their identity through the desire for independence, the need to embark on a journey, and the influence of place.
The expression of one’s desire for independence and the following impact of that element on one’s identity development can be clearly traced in Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour (1981). While the short story illustrates the repressive and controlling nature of marriage, it also demonstrates the definite significance of the freedom concept in the lives of Americans (Chopin). For example, upon finding out about the passing of her husband, the protagonist feels “free, free, free!” (Chopin 10). Moreover, she finally realizes that “she would live for herself”, suggesting a more independent and joyful life ahead (Chopin 12). The character’s strong desire for freedom accentuates the strong link between the American spirit and independence.
Then, another influential factor in determining one’s perspective set in life comprises their journey experiences. Embarking on a journey has been presented as an overall valuable life experience in Eddy L. Harris’s Mississippi Solo (1988). The traveling story of the main character involves many stressful and dangerous incidents as well as those encompassing unique and heartwarming meetings (Harris). Ultimately, the various encounters influence the journeyman’s sense of self by offering alternate novel views of the world: “A vacation is external. A pilgrimage is internal. An adventure combines them” (Harris 3). In that way, the journey granted the individual a whole range of emotions and feelings that shaped their identity.
Finally, one’s identity cultivation can be attributed to their place of origin and residence, as suggested in Richard Blanco’s poem One Today (2013). The work shares a day in the lives of American citizens, noting “millions of faces in morning’s mirrors” (Blanco 7). The idea behind the poem was to accentuate the common experiences of people living on one land that evidently lead to the formation of common lifestyles and mentalities. The themes of traditions and family are also deeply rooted into the system typical for one place (Blanco). Therefore, such similarities comprising the nation play a crucial role in shaping one’s sense of self.
In conclusion, the identity of each person is developed through the desire for independence, the need to embark on a journey, and the influence of some place. The direct impact of these factors can be traced in major pieces of American literature that also highlight the themes of heritage, various relationships, socio-economic issues and their interaction with each other. While it is clear that the mentioned American values are linked to the country’s history and current position in the world, it would be interesting to consider the migrations’ influence on the same themes of the American sense of self. Hence, the following investigation would provide a deeper analysis into the external factors affecting the cultivation of someone’s identity.
Works Cited
Blanco, Richard. For All of Us, One Today. Beacon Press Books, 2013.
Chopin, Kate. The Story of an Hour. Jimcin Recordings, 1981.
Harris, Eddy L. Mississippi Solo. N. Lyons Books, 1988.