Discuss the themes of identity explored Essay

Identity is made up of individual characteristics by which a person is recognized individually, as a member of a group, and of a wider society. We can draw this identity from our environment and setting, other individuals, memory, and also by contrast and similarities. Identity is needed to give people the ability to know who they are and to exude their individuality, as a form of existence, upon others. The forms of identity explored in these two plays are; the confirmation of identity and the sense 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, â€Å"King 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 father and marrying his mother. The play focuses on the gradual and delayed revelation of this oracle that he has already fulfilled. Moreover, it specifically focuses on Oedipus’ quest for his inner identity. In â€Å"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 reason as to why he is very confident at the beginning of the play. He also exudes confidence because he had previously saved the city of Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx and became king. However, his confidence is ironic, because he begins to question â€Å"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 true mother, the Queen, and raised a family through 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 hearing the truth, again and again, in the face of reluctant tellers, and after calling for an investigation of La ius’s murder, Oedipus says:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Then once more I must bring 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 blinding. It is foreshadowing because the investigation will reveal the dark secret of his incest, which metaphorically enlightens him with the truth, therefore giving him back his identity and individuality, but literally blinds him. This foreshadowing comes to the forefront when presented in the desperate tone of the comment: â€Å"Let all come out,  However vile! However base it be,  I must unlock the secret of my birth.†Ã‚  At this point Oedipus realizes he can no longer bear to look at his family, so he blinds himself by extracting his eyes with the Queen’s brooches. He is famed for his clear-sightedness and quick comprehension, 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 Beckett’s â€Å"Waiting for Godot†. The character Pozzo is constantly in need of confirmation of his identity, since he does not truly know whether he is recognised as an individual entity by those in his surroundings. The two most frequent characters, Vladimir and Estragon also need confirmation of existence. However, this is due 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 obscure 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 for 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 between 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 â€Å"he puts on his glasses†¦he 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 Estragon’s company. A strong proof for this need of attention is presented in his â€Å"|terrifying voice|†;  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I am Pozzo! Pozzo! Does that name mean nothing to you? I say does that name mean nothing to you? †¦PPPOZZZO!† This authorative language is a faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade 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 evident in the way he informs everyone he is â€Å"PPPOZZZO!† However, he needs confirmation of his identity from other people’s perception, which is why he always consults Vladimir and Estragon, questioning, â€Å"I am perhaps not particularly human, but who cares?†5 In this there is a great lack of self-acceptance, which demonstrates Pozzo’s strongest weakness. Additionally, Pozzo wants to make an impression on whomever he meets so that they can confirm his existence for him.