The Formation of Identity: Nature vs. Nurture
1. Introduction
The statement “people are born with their identities” can be interpreted in different ways. It can mean that people are born with certain traits that make up their identity, or it can mean that people’s identities are shaped by their parents and earlier generations. In this essay, I will explore both interpretations of the statement and discuss how they are illustrated in American literature.
2. Traits that are inborn and passed down from one’s parents
One interpretation of the statement “people are born with their identities” is that people are born with certain traits that make up their identity. This can be seen in the way that people inherit certain physical traits from their parents, such as hair color or eye color. It can also be seen in the way that people inherit certain personality traits from their parents, such as a tendency to be outgoing or shy.
In the short story “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the protagonist inherits his Puritanical beliefs from his father and grandfather. These beliefs shape his entire identity and cause him to see the world in a very specific way. He is unable to enjoy life or see the beauty in anything because he is constantly looking for signs of sin and evil.
In “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, the protagonist Montresor inherited his family’s motto: “Nemo me impune lacessit” (Nobody insults me with impunity). This motto shapes Montresor’s entire identity and motivates him to take revenge on his enemy, Fortunato. Montresor is obsessed with revenge and he is willing to do anything to get it, even if it means killing Fortunato.
3. The influence of earlier generations on one’s identity
Another interpretation of the statement “people are born with their identities” is that people’s identities are shaped by their parents and earlier generations. This can be seen in the way that people learn about their family history and culture from their parents and grandparents. It can also be seen in the way that people adopt the values and beliefs of their parents and grandparents.
In “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the protagonist is influenced by her husband’s beliefs about women’s roles in society. She internalizes his belief that women are not capable of rational thought and she comes to believe that she is crazy. The protagonist’s identity is shaped by her husband’s beliefs about women and she ends up trapped in a role that is not truly her own.
4. The role of society in shaping one’s identity
Another factor that can influence a person’s identity is society. Society can shape a person’s identity in many different ways, such as the way they dress, the way they speak, and the way they behave. In “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Daisy Buchanan is a perfect example of how society can shape a person’s identity. Daisy is a beautiful and wealthy woman who is married to a man who is also wealthy. However, she is not happy with her life and she longs for something more. This longing is something that is shaped by her society and her social status.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, the statement “people are born with their identities” can be interpreted in different ways. People can be born with certain traits that make up their identity, or their identities can be shaped by their parents and earlier generations. Society can also play a role in shaping a person’s identity. All of these factors contribute to the formation of a person’s identity.