Characters Seeking Identity: The Fault in Our Stars, and Catcher in the Rye
My Question: How does the journey, in which a character seeks his/her identity, help to develop deeper themes and symbols for the reader?
It is never obvious or stated whether an author intends on putting in a specific theme or symbol. However, when analyzing specific texts it becomes clear that certain points have more purpose than others. In The Fault in Our Stars and Catcher in the Rye there are main characters that are searching for meaning and true identity. A common trend with these character’s quests for true identity is that there is more depth behind their words. The main characters’ inner voices and process of failure in both The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, and Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, help to enhance underlying themes in the novels. In The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel’s narration and acceptance of the negativity in her life both produce themes that carry through in literature. During the novel, Hazel reflects by saying, “Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.” Hazel, a cancer patient who never knows what the next day will bring let alone the next few years, is stuck living life in the moment. Rather than dwelling on the inevitables of her illness, Hazel’s character is full of hope and positive thinking. The narration of her inner voice brings the reader to realize the idea of acceptance during a hard situation. Hazel’s persona in this quote also shows that as a person, she is learning to accept herself for who she is rather than the illness that she has. This quote also uses words that have a very powerful connotation, such as “infinity”. Whether the writer intended to do so or not, infinity gives promise and hope for a future, which Hazel is holding on to the dream of. Another example where the character’s journey enhances the meaning of the story is slightly more negative. Hazel says, “The marks humans leave are too often scars.” Hazel begins to accept that in life, many times the people closest to you are the
It is never obvious or stated whether an author intends on putting in a specific theme or symbol. However, when analyzing specific texts it becomes clear that certain points have more purpose than others. In The Fault in Our Stars and Catcher in the Rye there are main characters that are searching for meaning and true identity. A common trend with these character’s quests for true identity is that there is more depth behind their words. The main characters’ inner voices and process of failure in both The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, and Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, help to enhance underlying themes in the novels. In The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel’s narration and acceptance of the negativity in her life both produce themes that carry through in literature. During the novel, Hazel reflects by saying, “Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.” Hazel, a cancer patient who never knows what the next day will bring let alone the next few years, is stuck living life in the moment. Rather than dwelling on the inevitables of her illness, Hazel’s character is full of hope and positive thinking. The narration of her inner voice brings the reader to realize the idea of acceptance during a hard situation. Hazel’s persona in this quote also shows that as a person, she is learning to accept herself for who she is rather than the illness that she has. This quote also uses words that have a very powerful connotation, such as “infinity”. Whether the writer intended to do so or not, infinity gives promise and hope for a future, which Hazel is holding on to the dream of. Another example where the character’s journey enhances the meaning of the story is slightly more negative. Hazel says, “The marks humans leave are too often scars.” Hazel begins to accept that in life, many times the people closest to you are the