Self Identity Influenced by Love - 1663 Words

Self Identity Influenced by Love After the study and discussion of a handful of the great literary works of the nineteenth century it is apparent that love is a powerful and recurring theme. Within many of these texts an idea of self identity influenced by love of another is presented through the characters and plot. Whether this concept is unintended or deliberately placed by the author, self discovery is an underlying message. In The Symposium, Plato presents various intellectual perspectives on the subject of love. The speech given by Aristophanes focuses on a search for wholeness culminating with the discovery of a soul mate. This idea is articulated by George Eliot in Silas Marner. Silas leads a lonely existence, cut off from the†¦show more content†¦Relationships come in various types, and while lovers can bring about self discovery, so can other influential individuals. Many times the influence of a single person can alter an existence forever. Aristophanes speech gives reason as to why humans search for a soul mate. This is accomplished through his tale of the separation of a single being into two halves, each destined to find the other. Discovery of this person brings about wholeness and self discovery. George Eliot in Silas Marner articulates and develops the idea set forth by Plato in The Symposium. A single person can completely alter the existence and outlook of another, simply by becoming a part of their life. Silas Marner is the story of the miraculous healing and redemption of Silas Marner, a weaver. Silas was a broken, closed, selfish, unhappy hermit, with an accumulation of money. In his isolation, he shared nothing. His sad, lonely life revolved around his work and the money he collected. When Silas is robbed of his precious gold, he removes himself from social interaction. His love for money had led him to a life of greed and sorrow. Silas had lost recollection of his past and was unable to connect with his society. His lack of trust and concern for others made his life a miserable one. The climax of the story is without a doubt the introduction of Eppie into Silass life. During a snowstorm one night, a woman and her child struggleShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Human Development Theory1642 Words   |  7 Pagesand organize existing observations and to try to explain and predict human behavior. It is important to recognize the complexity of human development and the theories that explain human development. (Berger, pg. 23). The three theories that have influenced by development are Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Theory, Abraham Maslow’s Humanism and Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory. 1. The first Human development theory is that of Jean Piaget’s, who believed that all human development and behaviorRead MoreEssay about The Bluest Eyes1180 Words   |  5 Pages A Search For A Self Finding a self-identity is often a sign of maturing and growing up. This becomes the main issue in Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eyes. Pecola Breedlove, Cholly Breedlove, and Pauline Breedlove are such characters that search for their identity through others that has influenced them and by the lifestyles that they have. First, Pecola Breedlove struggles to get accepted into society due to the beauty factor that the norm has. Cholly Breedlove, her father, is a drunk whoRead MoreThe Picture Of Dorian Gray971 Words   |  4 Pagesviolent acts he commits as long as he appears beautiful on the outside. Since external beauty is valued, Wilde argues that people tend to lose their individualism and conform to society’s expectations. 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