Motif of Identity In A Visit from the Goon Squad, a variety of characters are presented through each section, marvelling the reader with their unique complex backgrounds that are evidently linked. The motivations and language for each dramatis personae outlines their distinct purpose in the novel, yet their interconnected paths overlap due to one shared attribute, their hunt for identity. Through a psychoanalytic lens, this motif is considered a personification of Jennifer Egan's struggles with identity and, following Freud's teachings, this analysis, thus, focuses on the author's hidden disturbance. The motif of one's search for identity, hence, is attributed to the character's implications with time, symbolism of water and the utilization
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In this literary artwork, this symbol points towards the direction of destruction, decay and death, opposing the idea of redemption. The presence of death and total wreckage is constantly present in the story aligned with the character's search for individuality by referencing their low points. For instance, when Drew and Rob decide to swim in the East River "made entirely out of garbage: old tires, trash, splintered wood, and glass and filthy paper and old plastic bags". (Egan 205) Symbolically, the pollution of the water represents the lowest point in their lives; the search for an identity leads them to a total wreckage. Characterization is also built along with this symbol, specifically in the same event as the fact that Rob drowns during their swim in the East River associates water to death. Therefore, the characters distance from water characterizes them to be victims of the unavoidable death, fearing and enraging at its arrival. The implementation of feeling scared is portrayed in Sasha's escape to the desert and anger through Jocelyn's rageful desire to drown Lou. Sasha Blake and her family inhabit a house "next to the desert", her characterization, thus, involves this fear of death. (Egan 242) …show more content…
This form of Criticism, hence, divulges how the motif of identity and the character's association to mental disorders reflects characterization. The motif focuses on Egan's struggle to identify herself through many stages of her life. On the other hand, the link between the characters and mental diseases is an exaggeration of the writer's mental tendencies and traumas. The importance of the psychoanalytic approach is that it goes in-depth into the Jennifer Egan's style while exploring her psyche. It follows Freud's psychoanalysis, which allows the analysis of a rarely explored perspective of the novel—the influence of Jennifer Egan's conscious mind upon developing the work. The significance behind this exploration is that it focuses on a book of great impact in the literary world as it claimed the Pulitzer Prize in 2011 with its unique style. Furthermore, the essay explores essential literary techniques and the author's influence on the novel. While many academics have scrutinized this work, there is a lack of valor on Egan's psyche, which is offered in this text. UNIVERSAL
In this literary artwork, this symbol points towards the direction of destruction, decay and death, opposing the idea of redemption. The presence of death and total wreckage is constantly present in the story aligned with the character's search for individuality by referencing their low points. For instance, when Drew and Rob decide to swim in the East River "made entirely out of garbage: old tires, trash, splintered wood, and glass and filthy paper and old plastic bags". (Egan 205) Symbolically, the pollution of the water represents the lowest point in their lives; the search for an identity leads them to a total wreckage. Characterization is also built along with this symbol, specifically in the same event as the fact that Rob drowns during their swim in the East River associates water to death. Therefore, the characters distance from water characterizes them to be victims of the unavoidable death, fearing and enraging at its arrival. The implementation of feeling scared is portrayed in Sasha's escape to the desert and anger through Jocelyn's rageful desire to drown Lou. Sasha Blake and her family inhabit a house "next to the desert", her characterization, thus, involves this fear of death. (Egan 242) …show more content…
This form of Criticism, hence, divulges how the motif of identity and the character's association to mental disorders reflects characterization. The motif focuses on Egan's struggle to identify herself through many stages of her life. On the other hand, the link between the characters and mental diseases is an exaggeration of the writer's mental tendencies and traumas. The importance of the psychoanalytic approach is that it goes in-depth into the Jennifer Egan's style while exploring her psyche. It follows Freud's psychoanalysis, which allows the analysis of a rarely explored perspective of the novel—the influence of Jennifer Egan's conscious mind upon developing the work. The significance behind this exploration is that it focuses on a book of great impact in the literary world as it claimed the Pulitzer Prize in 2011 with its unique style. Furthermore, the essay explores essential literary techniques and the author's influence on the novel. While many academics have scrutinized this work, there is a lack of valor on Egan's psyche, which is offered in this text. UNIVERSAL