The Embodiment of Adolescent Identity in Literature

Abstract

Adolescence is the phase of transformation in an individual's life between childhood and adulthood. He would generally be considered careless, reckless, and thoughtless, even regarding his life and career, particularly at this stage. This stage of personality development is the most significant, characterized by intense psychological, emotional, and attitudinal changes that contribute to self-identity. This transformation would, of course, be the result of internal or external forces, albeit inadvertently. Literature is undeniably a “mirror” of society. It has been a powerful representation of both personal and social issues in any and every society. Matthew Arnold, one of the eminent Victorian poets and critics, observes, “Literature is a criticism of life,” in his influential essay "The Study of Poetry" (1880), reflecting the values, conflicts, and realities of society. Literature, as a reflective and interpretative medium, addresses not only the pervasive issues of a society but also the subsequent repercussions. contemplating the ways and means of redress, either directly or indirectly. It plays a vital role in embodying and articulating the complexities of adolescent identity. Literary texts from different genres, i.e., playwriting, fiction, and poetry, emphasize the identity crisis from different perspectives. This study examines the representation of adolescent identity in literature with respect to the selected texts, i.e., DNA by Dennis Kelly and The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe. It employs thematic analysis of the physical, psychological, or societal experience from both plays that shapes the adolescent identity. It explores that literature is a vital source of representing the self-identity of adolescents, addressing the related conflicts every now and then. This study concludes that adolescent identity is not a fixed essence but an embodied process shaped by the interplay of physical experience, psychological struggle, and social forces.