Crime and Punishment shows that the identity in one's mind can be so incredibly divergent from the identity that the world perceives. If your actions aren't in line with the thoughts inside your head, the world will see you differently than how you see or want to see yourself. It's probably most important that a person lives so that he can accept himself, but no man is an island, and if you want to get anywhere in this world, you have to be able to successfully and accurately portray your desired identity to other humans.
Raskolnikov thinks of himself as a great "extraordinary" man while everyone else thinks he's absolutely crazy. It is clear that he’s capable of being both intelligent and kindhearted, but his inner convictions of his own greatness are counteracted by his bizarre and careless actions. Raskolnikov really can only be seen as extraordinarily insane, and when he’s in the company of the others, the value of others’ views of him is greater and more realized than his view of himself.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Henry IV Part 1
Identity is often formed through a series of trial and error experiences. Everyone goes through different phases in their lives where they try to take up a new way of life by adopting a new hobby or style. I generally think of this happening in the midst of adolescence, and I know I've gone through many varying phases in my life, some stranger than others. There have been times where I've been sure found my life's passion, only to forget about this passion a few months later. I think true interests and identity stand the test of time though and will always be present inside of you, just waiting for you to realize they're there.
In Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 1, Prince Hal tried out one of those crazy trial and error-esque paths. He purposely misbehaves, so that when he becomes king, people will be awed and amazed by his real honor and glory. I think one source of this rebellion was definitely defying his father, a mode of rebellion that continues to prevail in modern times. This changing identity is so bizarre though, and I feel like Hal will regret it once he matures and becomes king.
In Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 1, Prince Hal tried out one of those crazy trial and error-esque paths. He purposely misbehaves, so that when he becomes king, people will be awed and amazed by his real honor and glory. I think one source of this rebellion was definitely defying his father, a mode of rebellion that continues to prevail in modern times. This changing identity is so bizarre though, and I feel like Hal will regret it once he matures and becomes king.
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