The texts, As You Like It by Shakespeare and Angelas Ashes directed by Alan Parker communicate the notion of identity and its inextricable connection to belonging
by
natalierenee (student)
“Know thy-self” was the essential truth prescribed by the philosopher Socrates. True belonging can only be attained after one has conquered a strong sense of identity and is able to reach self actualization, allowing oneself to embrace who they are. The texts, As You Like It by Shakespeare and Angela’s Ashes directed by Alan Parker communicate the notion of identity and its inextricable connection to belonging.
Belonging to a family is an integral part of the human experience, as family relationships form a person’s sense of identity. The environment in which Frankie McCourt was raised had a fundamental impact upon his outlook on life, and his overall sense of identity. The McCourt’s are a dysfunctional family, as Mr. McCourt’s alcoholism and unemployment present a barrier to positive loving relationships between family members. Constant high angle shots reinforce Frankie’s small size and powerless position as a child witnessing his own family collapse around him which results in Frankie questioning his own values and forces him to become independent form a young age. Throughout his childhood Frankie experiences constant disappointments and humiliations created by an alcoholic and irresponsible father and a weak victimized mother, as a result Frankie soon realizes that it is up to him to ensure his own survival. Belonging to a dysfunctional family shapes Frankie’s identity as a survivor, a resourceful child able to adapt to a hostile environment.
