Identity

Definition

Identity refers to the characteristics, qualities, or beliefs that make a person or group distinct from others. It encompasses various aspects such as personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social roles that shape an individual's sense of self. In literature, especially in plays, identity can be explored through characters’ actions, conflicts, and transformations, revealing deeper themes of self-awareness and belonging.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shakespeare often uses mistaken identities and disguises to explore themes of self-discovery and transformation in his plays.
2. Characters like Viola in 'Twelfth Night' demonstrate how identity can shift depending on circumstances and choices made.
3. The tension between individual desires and societal expectations is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's works, highlighting the complexity of identity.
4. In plays such as 'Hamlet', the struggle for personal identity is central to the character's internal conflict and decisions.
5. The concept of gender identity is particularly prominent in Shakespeare's comedies, where cross-dressing leads to both humorous situations and profound insights.

Review Questions

• How does Shakespeare use mistaken identities to develop characters in his plays?
  • Shakespeare employs mistaken identities to create situations that force characters to confront their true selves. For example, in 'Twelfth Night', Viola disguises herself as a man, which not only creates comedic situations but also prompts her to explore her own identity and desires. This technique allows Shakespeare to delve into themes of love, gender roles, and the fluidity of identity.
• Analyze how the theme of identity influences the character development of Hamlet throughout the play.
  • In 'Hamlet', the theme of identity profoundly impacts Hamlet's character development. As he grapples with his father's death and the burden of revenge, Hamlet struggles with questions about who he is and what his moral obligations are. This inner turmoil leads him to adopt different personas and ultimately shapes his tragic path, illustrating how identity can be complex and multifaceted.
• Evaluate the significance of gender identity as portrayed through cross-dressing in Shakespeare’s comedies and its impact on societal norms.
  • In Shakespeare’s comedies, such as 'As You Like It' and 'Twelfth Night', cross-dressing serves as a vehicle for examining gender identity and societal norms. By having female characters adopt male identities, Shakespeare challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the fluidity of identity. This not only creates humor but also prompts audiences to reconsider their perceptions of gender and identity in their own lives, ultimately pushing boundaries for the time.

Related terms

Self-Perception: The way in which an individual views themselves, often influenced by personal experiences and societal expectations.

Character Development: The process by which a character undergoes significant changes throughout a narrative, often reflecting their evolving identity.

Dramatic Irony:

A literary device where the audience knows more about a character's situation than the character themselves, often highlighting conflicts in identity.