"Self" Essay

Human beings as individuals are very complicated. So many different aspects of life shape them and make them the person they are today. However, what exactly affects individuals in such a way that they can come out with a whole new identity? It is already well known that serving in a war and traumatic experiences can make a man or woman very unstable and depressed, whereas they may have been a very joyous person before. In everyday life you may see situations like this whether is be someone close to you, or a character on the television. Some changes may be for the better and can greatly increase the person 's quality of life and their outlook on the rest of the world. These instances are hard to come by, though the origin of their happiness may not be as exciting or epic as the experiences that cause someone to become spiteful, but they are still a major part of someone 's past, and therefore, equally as important. Sometimes, these experiences are unknown to the reader, and can only be discovered through their words and actions. In addition to an unknown past, there are also instances where things are left unsaid, and actions are not taken. A character is prevented from evolving when they make no effort to fulfill their life. In the instance where a personal experience leaves you as just a mere shadow of yourself, you may not have suddenly changed. Sometimes just a small, single event in your life may grow and become something so out of control, you are left with no way out. In Oscar Wilde 's novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” a young man, after receiving a beautiful portrait of himself, makes a wish that he could remain youthful and attractive for the rest of his days. Unfortunately, this simple request comes back to haunt him for the rest of his life. As the main protagonist becomes very bitter and vain, due to some outside influence from a friends, we see that his actions affect not him, but his portrait. The painting becomes ugly and

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