Identity In The Secret River

Words: 937
Pages: 4
Open Document
Kate Grenville’s ‘The Secret River’ and Stephen Chbosky’s ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ magnificently explores the concept that identity is not determined by circumstance, but rather is more dependent on choice. Throughout The Secret River, it is evident that although many characters have been placed under the same circumstances, each character’s identity has developed in a unique way. This is also an underlying notion in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with Charlie and Patrick developing in an entirely different way, despite being put through similar circumstances.

The Secret River and The Perks of Being a Wallflower clearly demonstrates the notion that identity is more dependent on choice than circumstances, through the use of character …show more content…
Throughout the movie, Patrick chooses to embrace his identity. This is evident during the Rocky Horror Picture Show scene, whereby Patrick takes on the role of Frank 'N Furter, symbolising his acceptance of his true identity. Charlie, on the contrary goes to extreme measures to bury his past, in an attempt to hide his real identity. This is evident in the way in which Charlie refuses to confide in anyone, including his closest friends, and the way in which he separates himself from the world. The initial cafeteria scene does an excellent job of portraying this as Charlie chooses to isolate himself in the corner, feeling small and insignificant; rather than daring to socialise with any of his peers. From this, it can be seen that Charlie does not feel worthy of having friends and believes that he “really need[s] to turn things around this year.” Therefore, through the use of character foils, it is evident that identity is more dependent on choice than circumstance as characters within both The Secret River and The Perks of Being a Wallflower have developed differently, based on the choices they …show more content…
However, when his doctor reveals that is it possible to move forward from his traumatic childhood, Charlie discovers that he can finally start putting himself back together again, if only he chooses to. Consequently, the concept that identity is more dependent on choice than circumstance is uncovered, as Charlie understands that his experiences cannot be changed, yet his identity can based on the choices he makes. This is a major turning point in Charlie’s life as he finally makes the choice to repair his fragmented identity. As a result, Charlie is able to move forward in his life, rather than constantly being trapped in his own memories and past experiences. From this, it is clearly evident that identity is not determined by circumstance, but rather is more dependent on
Show More

Related Documents: Identity In The Secret River

Sexual Identity In The Secret River

Gender analyses how sexual identity impacts the creation and reception of literary works and pursues to question and expose the phallocentric bias in mainstream media; gender perspective is to analyse the social forces that have kept the sexes from total equality. The Secret River is set during the 19th century, at the time, society was male dominated and it was widely accepted that men were the superior and dominating gender who held all the control, while women were merely subjects of the men,…

Words 606 - Pages 3

Being A Wallflower Theme Of Identity Essay

IDENTITY IS MORE DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCE THAN CHOICE "The Secret River", written by Kate Grenville, explores the idea of circumstances- such as past experiences, the people around us and social expectations- being more important than choice in shaping a person’s identity. Comparably in Stephen Chbosky’s film, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", identity and how it is influenced by different circumstances is also shown as a central theme. A wide range of literary and film techniques are used in…

Words 970 - Pages 4

Reading Mark Twain's River

Reading Mark Twain’s River Whether we realize it or not, one’s childhood is an integral part of who they are as a person. Everything from the places, the people and the conditions one is brought up in impacts their psyche, and influences their choices as an adult. The occupation they will choose and the people they will hold close to their heart are all the aftermath of what they encountered as a child. With all these integral factors of life so closely interrelated to each other, it becomes difficult…

Words 1222 - Pages 5

Kipling: Rudyard Kipling and Kim Essay

that Kim is in fact a white male. Kim than makes a networking friend who in the world looks to be a famous horse trader, but is in fact a spy. Mahbub Ali is an undercover secret agent for the British colonel, and has much respect for Kim and his ambitious ways. The lama truly believes Kim was heaven-sent to help him find the “river of the arrow” and achieve enlightenment. Yet his treatment of Kim moves from disciple to that of a son. The distress the lama shows when he realizes Kim will be taken from…

Words 1198 - Pages 5

Kao Kalia Yang Research Paper

Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American writer and teacher notably known for the book The Latehomecomer. Kao Kalia Yang was born in December 17 1980 on Ban Vinai Village in Thailand (Yang.com). Her father, Bee Yang and mother left Thailand after the communist government declare war against Hmong. After coming to the USA as a refugee, they settled in St. Paul Minnesota. Yang who is now 35 is lives in St Paul Minnesota with her parents, her husband along with their three children. Kao was the first person…

Words 612 - Pages 3

History: Israel and Jewish People Essay

land. From the end of World War 1 until 1948, the area that both groups were claiming was internationally known as Palestine. Following the war of 1948-1949 this land was divided into three parts, the state of Israel, the West Bank of the Jordon River and the Gaza Strip. The conflict originated over a small area of land approximately 10,000 square miles. The competing claims to the territory were not reconcilable if one group exercises exclusive political control over all of the land. The Jewish…

Words 1046 - Pages 5

Essay about Melina Marchetta and John Barton

the nest? Is it a young bird flying away from its nest? Not precisely, but ‘metaphorically'. The concept leaving the nest refers to the transitioning into a new world of an individual, where it can be difficult as one struggles with their changing identity and understanding of where they belong. The film Boyz N The Hood directed by John Singleton in 1991 is a significant and powerful film relating to the concept of leaving the nest as the protagonist, Tre Styles, who illustrates the transitioning of…

Words 707 - Pages 3

Aboriginal Inequalities In Australia

Aboriginal people suffer great health inequalities in comparison to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Life expectancy data estimates between a 9.7/11.5 to 17-year gap between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal people experience the same fate in different states, suffering similar health inequalities. The literature suggests that Aboriginal Australians suffer from higher levels of psychological stress, discrimination, distress and trauma compared with other Australians. (Kingsley…

Words 517 - Pages 3

Persuasive Essay On Fantine Case

caught by the authorities, but the Bishop lies by saying that the silver was given as a gift, and secures Valjean's release. Touched by the Bishop's love, grace and generosity, Valjean breaks his parole and vows to start an honest life under a new identity. Javert swears he will bring the escaped convict to justice. Eight years later in 1823, Valjean has become a wealthy factory owner and mayor of the small town of Montreuil-sur-Mer. A young woman named Fantine, one of his workers, is discovered to…

Words 904 - Pages 4

Tim O Brien On The Rainy River Summary

grounds or to conform to the beliefs of society because we are uncertain about the prioritization of the two conflicting choices. Those conflicts emerge between people’s ideals and the reality. O’Brien, the protagonist of the short story “On the Rainy River” by Tim O’Brien, receives a government letter summoning him to fight in the bloody war even though he thinks the very existence of the war is wrong. Through O’Brien’s internal conflict, the author suggests that people’s understanding of their roles…

Words 1286 - Pages 6