Throughout life, people experience the pressure to conform and feel the need to fit in with others. The poem “Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco and the anecdote “ The Mermaid” by Robert Fulghum reveals the conflict/tension individuals experience when stuck in the border of conformity and individuality. Although we may feel compelled to conform, people can achieve true happiness/freedom by accepting differences, by embracing their unique identity.
Throughout the five stanzas of the poem “Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco, the author strongly suggest the importance of individuality through the use of extended metaphor. He compares himself and the others to plants: those who value conformity as beautiful flowers, and those who value individuality as ugly weeds. Although flowers are “always watered, fed, guarded, admired” they are also “harnessed to a pot …show more content…
In contrast the “tall,ugly weed” is “clinging on cliffs, like an eagle/ wind-wavering above high, jagged rocks.” The author is indicating that a life as a weed is more exhilarating and free. Even though the weed is not as beautiful as a flower, it is able to stand tall, having dignity in their lives. Julio Noboa Polanco uses the Eagle in his poem, which symbolizes Courage, Determination, and most importantly Freedom. In addition to this, the Poem highlights the value of shaping your own identity. The third stanza “To have broken through the surface of stone, /to live, to feel exposed to the madness /of the vast, eternal sky. /To be swayed by the breezes of an ancient sea, /carrying my soul, my seed ,/beyond the mountains of time or into the abyss of the bizarre.” clearly explains that by experiencing and overcoming challenges, we are able to create our own identity rather than being shaped by outside forces. Furthermore the author is criticizing people who conform because they are “praised,
Throughout the five stanzas of the poem “Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco, the author strongly suggest the importance of individuality through the use of extended metaphor. He compares himself and the others to plants: those who value conformity as beautiful flowers, and those who value individuality as ugly weeds. Although flowers are “always watered, fed, guarded, admired” they are also “harnessed to a pot …show more content…
In contrast the “tall,ugly weed” is “clinging on cliffs, like an eagle/ wind-wavering above high, jagged rocks.” The author is indicating that a life as a weed is more exhilarating and free. Even though the weed is not as beautiful as a flower, it is able to stand tall, having dignity in their lives. Julio Noboa Polanco uses the Eagle in his poem, which symbolizes Courage, Determination, and most importantly Freedom. In addition to this, the Poem highlights the value of shaping your own identity. The third stanza “To have broken through the surface of stone, /to live, to feel exposed to the madness /of the vast, eternal sky. /To be swayed by the breezes of an ancient sea, /carrying my soul, my seed ,/beyond the mountains of time or into the abyss of the bizarre.” clearly explains that by experiencing and overcoming challenges, we are able to create our own identity rather than being shaped by outside forces. Furthermore the author is criticizing people who conform because they are “praised,