Xavia 
Mrs. Zurkowski
Green

September 14, 2010

Book: Anything But Ordinary by Valerie Hobbs

Topic: Self-identity

Search Terms:

1.      “Personal Identity”

2.      “Identity”

3.      “Self-concept”

4.      “Self-perspective”

5.      “Identity Crisis”

6.      “Self-construction”

7.      “Self-image”

Self-identity

     One of the key issues in Anything But Ordinary by Valerie Hobbs is the concept of self-identity.  A person’s identity is based in their relationship to other people and things.  “All identity is ultimately in relationship to something else" (http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=9697).  This means that as a person develops new relationships and breaks bonds, a person's identity changes.  This was seen in the book when Winifred's personality changed drastically after she made new college friends and broke up with Bernie.  Both physically and emotionally, Winifred became a different person.  "A person's self-identity may change with time" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-concept).  Personal relationships, accomplishments, self-esteem, group memberships, and experiences shape how a person sees himself and how other people see him.  "Throughout later childhood and adolescence, the self-concept becomes more abstract and complex" (http://social.jrank.org/pages/554/Self-Concept.html).  This allows a person to modify his self-identity by adding layers to his personality.  Winifred tried this when she went to college and made new friends.  She was no longer the same person she was when she had been with Bernie.  However, I don't think this made Winifred feel happy or fulfilled.  I think you can change your identity by changing what you think about yourself.  You can be anyone you want to be.  But as Winifred learned, you need to avoid peer pressure and be true to yourself.  

Image Picture:         http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wB_B2FyhJMM/S8ns2LW9ZKI/AAAAAAAABtg/7O65CE1-SiA/s1600/identity.gif