Identity in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Identity

The term “identity” derives from the Latin word “identitas,” rooted in “idem,” signifying “the same.” Initially emerging in philosophical and mathematical contexts, it evolved to denote self-sameness and the nature of what remains unchanged over time.

Philosophers like John Locke significantly contributed to its development, particularly in discussions about it on personal level.

In contemporary usage, it encompasses various dimensions, including personal, cultural, and gender identity, becoming a pivotal concept in understanding self-concept, social interactions, and group affiliations.

Meanings of Identity

Aspect	Meaning
1. Character	Refers to the defining traits and experiences of fictional characters, shaping their roles in the narrative.
2. Cultural	Explores characters’ ties to their cultural heritage, ethnicity, and how these aspects influence their actions and perspectives.
3. Identity Crisis	Addresses characters’ struggles with self-discovery, personal growth, and questions about their roles in the world.
4. Intersectionality	Analyzes how various aspects (e.g., race, gender, class) intersect and impact characters’ experiences.
5. Symbolic	Involves the use of symbols to represent deeper facets of characters’ identities or narrative themes.
6. National and Political	Examines characters’ affiliations with their nation or political ideologies, exploring patriotism and conflicts.
7. Gender and Sexual	Challenges societal norms by exploring characters’ experiences related to gender and sexuality.
8. Identity Narratives	Utilizes characters’ personal stories and transformations as a narrative device within the work.

Definition of Identity as a Theoretical Term

Identity, as a theoretical term, encompasses the complex and multifaceted sense of self, encompassing one’s individuality, social roles, and affiliations within a broader context.

It involves a person’s self-perception, how they are perceived by others, and how various aspects, such as cultural, gender, and social identities, intersect and influence their experiences and interactions.

In theoretical discussions, it serves as a pivotal concept for understanding human subjectivity, social dynamics, and the construction of meaning within diverse cultural, historical, and sociopolitical contexts.

Identity: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

• Erik Erikson: Known for his theory of psychosocial development, Erikson explored how individuals develop a sense throughout their lifespan.
• Judith Butler: Her work on performativity and gender identity challenged traditional notions of its fixed categories and emphasized the performative aspects of gender.
• Stuart Hall: A cultural theorist, Hall emphasized the idea as a construct influenced by cultural and social contexts.
• Kimberlé Crenshaw: Introduced the concept of intersectionality, highlighting how multiple aspects of identity (e.g., race, gender) intersect and shape individuals’ experiences.

Works:

• Identity: Youth and Crisis by Erik Erikson: In this influential book, Erikson discusses the formation of it in adolescence and the role of its crises in personal development.
• Gender Trouble by Judith Butler: This seminal work challenges the binary concept of gender and argues that gender identity is performative, created through repeated actions and behaviors.
• Cultural Identity and Diaspora by Stuart Hall: Hall’s essay explores the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world and the notion of “diaspora” in relation to identity.
• Mapping the Margins by Kimberlé Crenshaw: Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality sheds light on how overlapping social categories impact the experiences of marginalized groups.

Arguments:

• Identity as a Social Construct: Theorists argue that it is not inherent but socially constructed, shaped by cultural norms, expectations, and historical contexts.
• Identity as Performative: Judith Butler’s argument suggests that individuals “perform” their identities through repeated actions and behaviors, challenging the idea of fixed identities.
• Identity and Power Dynamics: Discussions often revolve around how power structures, including race, gender, and class, influence its formation and experiences.
• Intersectionality: Kimberlé Crenshaw’s argument highlights the need to consider multiple intersecting aspects to understand individuals’ lived experiences more fully.

These theorists, works, and arguments are central to the academic discourse surrounding this concept of identity in various disciplines, including psychology, gender studies, cultural studies, and sociology.

Identity and Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Identity
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial literary theory is highly relevant as it explores how the legacy of colonialism profoundly influences it on individual and collective level. It delves into the complexities of its negotiation in the context of colonization, decolonization, and postcolonial societies. Moreover, it sheds light on the intricate relationships between colonizers and the colonized, offering insights into identity struggles in these contexts.
Feminist Theory	Feminist literary theory is crucial for understanding how gender identity, sexuality, and the construction of femininity and masculinity are portrayed and contested in literature. It scrutinizes the impact of gender roles and stereotypes on character development and plot, contributing to nuanced discussions about identity. Renowned authors like Virginia Woolf and Simone de Beauvoir have made significant contributions to these explorations.
Queer Theory	Queer theory challenges traditional notions of sexual orientation and gender identity within literary works, making it an essential lens for examining it. It delves into how LGBTQ+ characters and themes are depicted in literature, shedding light on their subversive potential and their impact on societal norms. Works by LGBTQ+ authors, such as Audre Lorde and James Baldwin, provide profound insights into the intricate dimensions of sexual and gender identity.
Identity Narratives	Identity narratives are pivotal for unraveling characters’ journeys of self-discovery and its formation in literature. These narratives explore how personal histories, cultural backgrounds, and diverse experiences shape characters’ identities, enriching the depth of character portrayals. Esteemed authors like J.D. Salinger and Zora Neale Hurston effectively employ identity narratives to convey protagonists’ quests for self-understanding.
Psychological Theory	Psychological theories play a significant role in literary analysis by delving into characters’ inner workings and the development of self-identity. Concepts from psychoanalysis, such as Freud’s ego, superego, and id, offer valuable tools to analyze the complexities. Works like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground exemplify how psychological theory contributes to the exploration of individual identity intricacies.
Intersectionality	Intersectionality is an invaluable perspective in literary theory as it emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects, including race, gender, and class. It provides a framework for understanding how these intersecting identities shape characters’ experiences and perspectives. Authors like Toni Morrison, in her work “Beloved,” skillfully illuminate the intricate interplay between race and gender in narrative explorations of identity.

Identity in Literary Criticism

1. White Teeth by Zadie Smith (2000):
   • In White Teeth, Zadie Smith explores the intricacies of it on cultural and generational level in a multicultural London setting.
   • The novel delves into the lives of characters like Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal, who grapple with their identities as immigrants and fathers in a rapidly changing society.
   • Themes of hybrid identity, cultural clashes, and the search for a sense of belonging are central to the character-driven narrative.
2. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri (2003):
   • Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake follows the journey of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation Indian-American, as he navigates its complexities.
   • The novel examines how Gogol’s given name reflects his dual cultural heritage and his struggle to reconcile his Indian roots with his American upbringing.
   • Themes of cultur, generational differences, and the search for self-identity are central to Gogol’s character arc.
3. Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001):
   • In Atonement, Ian McEwan delves into how the characters’ choices and actions shape their individual and collective identities.
   • The narrative follows characters like Briony Tallis, whose actions as a young girl have a profound impact on her sense of self and her relationships with others.
   • The novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the enduring influence of a single event on the characters’ identities.
4. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz (2007):
   • Junot Díaz’s novel focuses on the life of Oscar Wao, a Dominican-American who identifies as a “ghetto nerd.”
   • The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao delves into Oscar’s struggles with his cultural, masculinity, and the stereotypes associated with being a Dominican male in the United States.
   • Themes of immigration, diaspora, and the quest for self-acceptance are central to Oscar’s character development.

These novels, published around the year 2000, offer rich character-driven narratives that provide insightful explorations of cultural, generational, and individual identity within the specific contexts of the stories they tell.

Suggested Readings

1. Baldwin, James. Giovanni’s Room. Dial Press, 1956.
2. Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
3. Crenshaw, Kimberlé. Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, vol. 43, no. 6, 1991, pp. 1241-1299.
4. Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Riverhead Books, 2007.
5. Erikson, Erik. Identity: Youth and Crisis. Norton, 1968.
6. Lahiri, Jhumpa. The Namesake. Mariner Books, 2003.
7. McEwan, Ian. Atonement. Anchor Books, 2001.
8. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Knopf, 1987.
9. Smith, Zadie. White Teeth. Vintage Books, 2000.