The Relationship Between Place and Identity in Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh
For Essay #2, you are to describe and analyze the relationship between place and identity as it appears for one or more characters in Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh. Your essay should aim to demonstrate the impact that the character/s social location and environment--specifically Boston and the Greater Boston area--has on their identity, both as they see themselves and as they are seen by others. By way of conclusion, your essay should make an argument about the power of place and identity, both in the book and, maybe, in our everyday lives.
You should use at least one outside, credible source pertaining to identity, which could be Erikson’s “identity crisis” quotation in Tatum’s essay, and at least four quotations from the novel.
The Relationship Between Place and Identity in Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh
In Jennifer Haigh's novel, Mercy Street, the characters' social location and environment in Boston and the Greater Boston area play a significant role in shaping their identities. The impact of place on identity is evident in how the characters perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. This essay aims to analyze this relationship and explore the power of place and identity in both the book and our everyday lives.
One character whose identity is deeply influenced by their social location is Michael Maguire. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Boston, Michael's identity is shaped by the blue-collar culture and values of his community. Haigh portrays this when she writes, "He was just a regular Boston guy, like his father and his father's father before him... this was who he was, where he came from" (Haigh, 56). Michael's sense of self is closely tied to his place of origin, influences his behavior, beliefs, and aspirations.
The Boston area plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of Maryuire, Michael's sister. As a successful lawyer operating in the elite of Boston, Mary's identity shaped by her association with privilege and power. She is aware of the impact of her place on her identity, stating, "Here, in Boston... I'm somebody. I'm somebody who matters" (Haigh, 102). The social status and opportunities afforded by her place of residence contribute to her sense of self-worth and validation.
Furthermore, the power of place in shaping identity is not limited to the characters in Mercy Street but resonates with our everyday lives as well. Erik Erikson's concept of an "identity crisis" highlights the significance of place in the development of one's sense of self. According to Erikson, individuals go through a series of internal conflicts when forming their identities, with one such conflict centered around the question of "Who am I?" (Tatum, 22). Place acts as a backdrop for this struggle, as individuals navigate their social locations and environments to define themselves.
In our everyday lives, we can observe how place influences our identities through cultural norms, societal expectations, and personal experiences. Whether it be growing up in a small town, a bustling city, or a tight-knit community, our surroundings shape our beliefs, values, and behaviors. Place provides a context for self-identification and influences how we see ourselves and how others perceive us.
In conclusion, Mercy Street vividly portrays the relationship between place and identity through its characters' social locations and environments. The impact of Boston and the Greater Boston area on their sense of self is evident in how they view themselves and are seen by others. This exploration of place and identity extends beyond the book and reflects the power that location holds in shaping our own identities. Just as the characters in Mercy Street are influenced by their surroundings, our everyday lives are also deeply intertwined with the places we inhabit. Understanding this relationship allows us to appreciate the complexity of identity formation and recognize the role that place plays in shaping who we are.