Texts In The Course

Text Name and What does this text say about the theme of identity? Create one short paragraph with two supporting details.
Type Make sure you explain the supporting details.

Annie Dillard’s personal essay ‘Sojourners” uses metaphors and personification to compare the identity of human beings to the
development of mangrove trees. One example of Dillard comparing the tree to human life is when she mentions that the
mangrove tree’s “germinated embryo can drop anywhere- say, onto a dab of floating muck.” This metaphor of the tree’s seed is
a comparison to human reproduction. Just like the creation of human life, the development of mangroves is beautiful and
unique. The second idea focuses on personification of the mangrove island, and human life. Dillard states “And the mangrove
“Sojourners”:
island wanders on, afloat and adrift. It walks, teetering and wanton before the wind. It’s fate and direction are random.” When
personal essay
evaluating the stages of human life, Dillard is trying to explain that humans have a similar fate to the mangrove island. Just as the
trees develop and drift along at any point in time, humans face a similar situation. We, as humans are born, grow, reproduce and
ultimately die. Just like when the mangrove tree drifts, one could not predict it’s final destination. The same could be said about
human life, as there is always a lingering curiosity and hope with what happens after death. Dillard’s comparison of the
mangrove trees through different literary devices is a very creative way to express the similarities to human identity.

In the essay “Once More to the Lake”, E.B. White reminisces about his childhood visits to a lake in Maine, and expresses
nostalgia through the eyes of his son following a return years later. This reflection of White’s experiences during his childhood
and with his son shows the correlation between both of their identities. Through the use of literary devices, White is hoping that
his son has a similar identity when visiting the lake. White mentions “On the journey over to the lake I began to wonder what it
would be like. I wondered how time would have marred this unique, this holy spot--the coves and streams, the hills that the sun
“Once More to set behind, the camps and the paths behind the camps.” This example compares the lake to being a holy spot. This shows how
the Lake”: much the lake really means to him, and that reflects to his identity. I could infer that many family members or friends would
personal essay know the significance that the lake has to White. It is a major part of who he is. Another statement that reflects White’s identity
is when he mentions “This was the American family at play, escaping the city heat, wondering whether the newcomers at the
camp at the head of the cove were "common" or "nice," wondering whether it was true that the people who drove up for
Sunday dinner at the farmhouse were turned away because there wasn't enough chicken.” He is comparing the experience he
had at the lake to what “American families” would do to spend time together. This is his interpretation of what being a part of an
American family would be like.
 Scaachi Koul’s personal essay outlines the effect that television had on her identity as an Indian girl living in Canada. She
elaborates how the shows she watched impacted her opinion and general perspective on different aspects of her real life. For
example, she mentions “The whole world felt white when I was younger. There wasn’t a version of me anywhere – few on
television, fewer in movies, and none in my day to day life who weren’t related to me.” This example proves that she felt her
“Can TV Make
identity was mitigated by those around her. Since she was the minority being Indian, she often felt alone and had nobody to
Us Not Hate
relate her identity with. This just shows that even without television, she felt this way. Due to the issues she faced on a daily
Ourselves?”:
basis, she often questioned her identity as she was trying to understand why she felt the way she did. For example, she
personal essay
mentioned “Are we too stereotypical? Do we smell bad? Are we only dating because we couldn’t find white people to date
instead? “In this moment, Koul is reflecting trying to understand why diminished her identity as an Indian girl. She is also
reflecting on what others saw of her identity as she felt that white people thought her culture only dated each other. This essay
is a great example of how media and other people can impact one’s personal identity.

This article highlights how it has been statistically proven that people make comments online that do not reflect who they are in
real life. This is referred to as the “disinhibition effect.” This term relates specifically to one’s identity as the internet has been
proven to change it. For example, it is mentioned that “Sometimes people share very personal things about themselves. They
reveal secret emotions, fears, wishes. They show unusual acts of kindness and generosity, sometimes going out of their way
to help others” This shows the positive side of how people can act whether it is online or in real life. With that being said,
“Online the disinhibition can also go in the other direction. It is mentioned that “ [the] disinhibition is not always so salutary. We
Disinhibition witness rude language, harsh criticisms, anger, hatred, even threats.” The internet has been able to almost expose those
Effect”: article who are “fake” or untruthful of their identity. For example you could be the nicest person in real life, but act completely
rude online. This shows that the way people would see you would be skewed. The effect this would have on your digital
footprint or personal brand would be detrimental. Your chance at a job or even making new friends could be affected. It is
imperative that you stay genuine to who you are both on online platforms and in real life. Being respectful and courteous at
all times will also improve how others interpret your identity. With all the distractions in the world such as the internet, it is
crucial to remember what is most important.
 Chanie Wenjack’s identity is questioned during “Secret Path.” This text recaps the horrors that Chanie had to face being a native
boy forced into a residential school. Not only is the journey of coming home difficult for Chanie, but the symbolism of who he
was as a Canadian was compromised. For example at page 13 of the graphic novel, there is an image of Wenjack getting his hair
cut with other anxious native boys. I see this image as Wenjack losing his identity. This is just the beginning of him losing parts of
Secret Path:
who he is physically, and culturally. On page 23, there is a drawing of Wenjack being bullied as he is pushed off the swing by
graphic novel,
some white boys at his school. He must have wondered why he is getting bullied due to his identity. The native community faced
film
some serious hardships during this time period and with him being so young, I can infer he does not understand the severity of
how he is losing his culture. Today, we as Canadians can reflect on what effect this had on the native community. These people
lost their ability to speak their native language, practice their faith and most important of all be true to themselves. This is just a
terrible tale of how one person was terribly affected by residential schools.

This Macleans article outlines the true story that Chanie Wenjack faced which is the inspiration for the “Secret Path” series.
Chanie did not understand why he was at this residential school, as he was attempting to walk 400 miles home to see his father.
The author mentions how there were “images” discovered of his “skinny body laying by the train tracks.” This was the first
“The Lonely impression that investigators had of Chanie’s identity. There were the physical characteristics, like his skinny body and thin face.
Death of Chanie However the symbolism of who he was as an individual did not get discovered until the “Secret Path” was released. When I think
Wenjack”: of Chanie’s journey, I see him as being a warrior. To try to walk so far in Canadian weather just to be back with his family is
article remarkable. It just shows how much his identity really meant to him. He literally sacrificed everything to be the person he knew
he was, not just an integrated member of Canadian society. His determination and perseverance as he worked with others and
“constantly looked at his map” to navigate himself home shows how smart he was as well. The symbolism through his actions
comes to show how strong he really is. That is Chanie’s true identity.
 Amir’s identity in Khaled Hosseini’s “Kite Runner” is definitely affected in many parts of the novel. Whether it is reflected
through his Afghan culture of being a Pashtun, his role in Hassan’s sexual assault, or his relation to Baba, there are many
moments were Amir is questioning his identity. For example on page 139, Amir mentions “I had one last chance to make a
decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan – the way he'd
stood up for me all those times in the past – and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run.” During Amir’s childhood,
he had excellent morals. He would often give his two cents when he felt something was wrong, or explain how Baba inspired his
beliefs. However in this moment, Amir questions his morals and identity as Hassan’s good friend. He betrayed one of the most
The Kite Runner:
important people in his life as he reflects on the person he was during that situation. I find this situation interesting, as Baba
novel
predicted something like this would happen much earlier in the novel. On page 22, Baba mentions in a phone call with Rahim
Khan “Something is missing in that boy…A boy that won’t stand up for himself becomes a man that cannot stand-up for
anything.” This was a prediction made by Baba, and that is how he interprets Amir’s identity. It is evident that Baba and Amir
have very different interests which also proves the difference in tehri identities. However with all of the facts presented, it is
clear that Amir’s actions or lack thereof inspire what others see of him. Amir does attempt to redeem himself later in the book
but his identity early on his clear.

Carlos’ identity in this podcast is presented through how he adapted to hardship during his childhood. Being such a smart kid in a
poor area of the United States, it was difficult for Carlos to progress academically. As smart as he was, he tried to diminish all of
the hardships he faced in his personal life. Carlos tends to selectively omit/forget the painful moments of his past history. This
technique seemed to be a major coping mechanism. As Gladwell mentions at around the six minute mark, Carlos’ often
“Carlos Can’t
“forgets”. However that is just him using his coping mechanism. Hearing this occur, I develop my thoughts on how I see Carlos’
Remember”:
identity. Ienvision him as being very brave and selfless in the way he acts. He gave up so many opportunities for himself so
podcast episode
support others such as his mom and sister. His actions easily reflect his amazing identity. Yet this can be seen very easily in the
way he speaks. For example in the opening minute of the podcast, Gladwell mentions how Carlos is very “mature and guarded
when he speaks.” Carlos’ identity is very complex, yet his actions and tone when he speaks help’s the listener to develop their
own opinions of who he is.