Thursday, October 7, 2010

Sharlene’s Identity

In the short story, Brother Dear, Sharlene’s identity is represented by her personality and her decisions. In the beginning of the short story, it seems as if her father decides Sharlene’s future. It is not until near the end of the story Sharlene comes to the conclusion that she is in control of her own future, and decides to break free from her father’s decisions. From that point on, Sharlene begins to realize that it is necessary to make decisions on your own in order to create her own identity.

I feel that I relate to Sharlene in the short story Brother Dear quite a lot. Sharlene is in grade 11, and she has to think about what she will do in her future. I am in that exact same position. I’m starting the 11th grade, and I have yet to know what lies ahead of me. Sharlene’s father has his own perspective of what lies ahead for her. He believes without a doubt that Sharlene should go to university. However, Sharlene truly wants to travel to Europe instead, and study languages. My father wants me to go to university as well. However I’m not too sure what I want to do yet. Towards the end of the short story, Sharlene is highly influenced by her older brother’s actions. When she sees that Greg goes against his father, she realizes that it is okay to stay true to herself. She comes to the conclusion that she will go on her own way, instead of doing what her father intends her to do. I as well look up to my older brother. His actions influence me in many ways. If he does something one way, I feel that it is okay if I do it as well. In conclusion, I connect with Sharlene in many different ways.

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