Changing Identities by Changing Places or Identity Crisis in Postmodern Novels
A sociological approach to self and identity begins with the assumption that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society (Stryker, 41). The self has an influence upon society via the actions of the individuals, consequently creating groups, organizations, networks, and institutions. Reciprocally, society has influences the self via its common language and meanings which enables a person to engage in a social interaction, and to assume the role of the other. According to the Oxford online dictionary, identity is the sum of “he characteristics, feelings or beliefs that distinguish people from others.” Identity is determined by the interactions between the self and the other, and with this sense of identity we position ourselves as members of different groups and social classes, thus, providing us a sense of belonging. Changing Identities by Changing Places
Changing Places is the first "academic novel" by British novelist David Lodge, having the subtitle "A Tale of Two Campuses", obviously a literary allusion to Charles …show more content…
By the end of the novel, the reader observes that the characters are aware of the changes they underwent, they are no longer their old selves anymore. Philips feeling of being an Englishman begins to subside, but he is not a true American yet. Living in a different society, other than the “old” British one, influenced him in such a degree that he has almost forgotten his roots: “But I don't feel British anymore. Not as much as I used to, anyway. Nor American, for that matter. Wandering between two worlds, one lost, the other powerless to be born.” (Lodge, 174). He ceased to be his old self, but this change appears to be quite convenient to him without having any
A sociological approach to self and identity begins with the assumption that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society (Stryker, 41). The self has an influence upon society via the actions of the individuals, consequently creating groups, organizations, networks, and institutions. Reciprocally, society has influences the self via its common language and meanings which enables a person to engage in a social interaction, and to assume the role of the other. According to the Oxford online dictionary, identity is the sum of “he characteristics, feelings or beliefs that distinguish people from others.” Identity is determined by the interactions between the self and the other, and with this sense of identity we position ourselves as members of different groups and social classes, thus, providing us a sense of belonging. Changing Identities by Changing Places
Changing Places is the first "academic novel" by British novelist David Lodge, having the subtitle "A Tale of Two Campuses", obviously a literary allusion to Charles …show more content…
By the end of the novel, the reader observes that the characters are aware of the changes they underwent, they are no longer their old selves anymore. Philips feeling of being an Englishman begins to subside, but he is not a true American yet. Living in a different society, other than the “old” British one, influenced him in such a degree that he has almost forgotten his roots: “But I don't feel British anymore. Not as much as I used to, anyway. Nor American, for that matter. Wandering between two worlds, one lost, the other powerless to be born.” (Lodge, 174). He ceased to be his old self, but this change appears to be quite convenient to him without having any