Discuss the themes of identity explored Essay

individualism is made up of individual characteristics by which a person is ac agniseledge individually, as a member of a group, and of a wider society. We can drop this personal identity from our environment and setting, other individuals, memory, and in like manner by contrast and similarities. individualism is engageed to give people the ability to know who they atomic number 18 and to excrete their individuality, as a form of founding, upon others. The forms of identity explored in these 2 plays are the bridle of identity and the mother wit of self. We can then maintain our identity by having physical identification and keeping personal relationships.The search for identity is a theme in Sophocles Ancient Greek tragedy, queen mole rat Oedipus. Oedipus lacks sense of self because of a curse set upon him from birth. Before he was born, a curse stated that he would fulfill the prophecy of killing his produce and marrying his mother. The play focuses on the gradual an d delayed revelation of this oracle that he has already fulfilled. Moreover, it specifically focuses on Oedipus quest for his inner identity.In King Oedipus, Oedipus has drawn his identity from his surroundings. The setting of the palace, the riches, and the status define Oedipus, which is one undercoat as to wherefore he is very confident at the base of the play. He in addition exudes confidence because he had previously saved the metropolis of Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx and became king. however, his confidence is ironic, because he begins to question who am I? as his quest for the identity of the murderer of King Laius is eroding his own identity. Therefore, the revelation that Oedipus was the man who killed his real father, King Laius, married his admittedly mother, the world-beater, and raised a family by incest, begins to erode his confidence. Further evidence of this loss of identity is presented, when Oedipus goes through this discovery that he has fulfilled the prophecy. After insisting on comprehend the truth, again and again, in the face of reluctant tellers, and after calling for an probe of Laiuss murder, Oedipus saysThen once more I must institute what is dark to light.This brave statement is ironic because it is not brave at all. The underlying meaning is that these words foreshadow his future unreasoninging. It is foreshadowing because the investigating will reveal the dark undercover of his incest, which metaphorically enlightens him with the truth, on that pointfore handsome him back his identity and individuality, but literally blinds him. This foreshadowing comes to the forefront when presented in the desperate tone of the commentLet all come out,However vile However base it be,I must unlock the secret of my birth.At this point Oedipus realizes he can no yearner keep going to look at his family, so he blinds himself by extracting his eyes with the Queens brooches. He is famed for his clear-sightedness and quick co mprehension, which is ironic because he has been blind to the truth and is now physically blind. This blinding symbolizes that he cannot accept his true identity and has therefore lost his sense of self.The search for identity is also a theme in Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot. The character Pozzo is constantly in need of checkout of his identity, since he does not truly know whether he is recognised as an individual entity by those in his surroundings. The deuce most frequent characters, Vladimir and Estragon also need confirmation of existence. However, this is out-of-pocket to the fact that they are contemplating whether they truly exist. In complete contrast to these characters, there is Godot. He is a character that never appears, and rather than having his own out of sight beliefs about his own identity, it is questioned by Vladimir and Estragon. Although, he does not have a search for identity, Vladimir and Estragon question his identity.A display of the constant need fo r confirmation of existence is shown through the character Pozzo. He attempts to achieve this confirmation through needing to be witnessed at all times. He demonstrates this in two ways through material possessions, and through voice. Pozzo owns many material items such as a watch, a slave, and a food basket with wine and chicken, which is in complete contrast to the turnips and carrots consumed daily by Vladimir and Estragon.This contrast amongst Vladimir and Estragon and Pozzo provide Pozzo with his identity, and because he can compare himself to them, he knows he is Pozzo. He often consults his possessions such as his watch and his slave, he also pretends he has a need to use them like when he puts on his glasseshe takes off his glasses.3 Pozzo is lonely and starving for attention, which is why he strives for companionship in Lucky and attempts to stay as long as possible in Vladimir and Estragons company. A fast(a) proof for this need of attention is presented in his terrify ing voiceI am Pozzo Pozzo Does that spend a penny mean nothing to you? I say does that name mean nothing to you? PPPOZZZOThis authorative language is a faade covering his insecurities with himself, as is his use of power and cruelty over his slave, ironically named Lucky. Pozzo knows who he is, it is patent in the way he informs everyone he is PPPOZZZO However, he needs confirmation of his identity from other peoples perception, which is why he unendingly consults Vladimir and Estragon, questioning, I am perhaps not particularly human, but who cares?5 In this there is a great lack of self-acceptance, which demonstrates Pozzos strongest weakness. Additionally, Pozzo wants to shop an impression on whomever he meets so that they can confirm his existence for him.