The complexity of human beings gradually increases over their lifespan. A trajectory for one’s identity development is set early in childhood, as memorable experiences shape psychological functions (Hatano et al. 1203). The establishment of one’s character takes a long time, as the impact of various incidents can be unpredictable. On the examples from “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan and “The Chase” by Annie Dillard, it is possible to trace the impact of such events on people’s personalities.
An individual does not perceive how their development is under the influence of particular occasions, yet they do change. Amy Tan, in her essay “Fish Cheeks,” describes one such experience during which she realized the value of her cultural background in her identity. Tan states that she “was able to fully appreciate” the lesson she learned during the Christmas dinner at the age of fourteen later in life. This notion indicates that this meeting was so memorable that Tan could not forget it and changed her perception of herself based on her mother’s teachings. In the second essay, Dillard writes that “the drama of the chase” had a profound impact on the character’s perception of pursuing one’s goals (57). Despite being only seven, the hero of Dillard’s story is deeply astonished by the persistence of a man whose car was damaged by a snowball. It is apparent that the authors of these writings describe life-changing experiences only after significant self-reflection.
In conclusion, a person’s identity is formed through memorable events that affect their future perceptions of the world. The two essays highlight how critical moments from one’s childhood often set the trajectory for one’s identity development. This implication reveals how the essential components of people’s personalities and worldviews can be explored in the context of their life stories. Numerous factors, such as culture, relationships, and interests, provoke certain events that trigger profound changes in one’s character.
Works Cited
Dillard, Annie. An American Childhood. HarperCollins, 1987.
Hatano, Kai, et al. “Diverse‐and‐Dynamic Pathways in Educational and Interpersonal Identity Formation during Adolescence: Longitudinal Links With Psychosocial Functioning.” Child Development, vol. 91, no. 4, 2019, pp. 1203-1218.
Tan, Amy. “Fish Cheeks.” CommonLit, 1987, Web.