The theme of identity is a process of discovery along a journey. To what extent is this statement true to Looking for Alibrandi?
In Melina Marchetta's novel, "Looking for Alibrandi", the theme of identity is a process of discovery along a journey for most of the characters. Although John Barton's journey is short by the end, he knew what he wanted and he made sure that no one was hurt more than necessary when he achieved it. Josephine Alibrandi discovers her identity after many developments in her life, many of which include Jacob Coote, John Barton and Katia Alibrandi. Katia Alibrandi, Josie's grandmother, (nonna) has experienced a lot in her time but still needs Josie's help to let go of her past. Jacob Coote went along with what everyone expected of him until he met Josie. She helps him to reopen the door to his journey of identity. Melina Marchetta has provided a text with the identity issues that many face and she has provided her readers with outcomes that prove to be perfect examples of the outcomes of discovery of identity.
John Barton does not know what he wants in life but he knows what he does not want. He does not want to follow in his father's footsteps; to "make promises I can't keep...I don't want a lot of responsibilities in life...I don't want to climb to the top" (pg 47). As John Barton continues to discover his identity, he dislikes it more and more. He convinces himself that he does not want to live anymore. It is a fact that many teenagers face and Marchetta portrays it extremely well though John Barton. When John First tells Josie that he does not want to live anymore, she, like many teenage friends, did not fully understand. "At first I didn't understand... watching those vacant eyes I realised he meant no other life" (pg 134). Many songs portray the feelings that John Barton fells, an excellent example being the chorus of Simple Plan's Welcome to my Life:
"To be hurt
To fell lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked
When you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no ones there to save you
No, you don't know
John Barton does not know what he wants in life but he knows what he does not want. He does not want to follow in his father's footsteps; to "make promises I can't keep...I don't want a lot of responsibilities in life...I don't want to climb to the top" (pg 47). As John Barton continues to discover his identity, he dislikes it more and more. He convinces himself that he does not want to live anymore. It is a fact that many teenagers face and Marchetta portrays it extremely well though John Barton. When John First tells Josie that he does not want to live anymore, she, like many teenage friends, did not fully understand. "At first I didn't understand... watching those vacant eyes I realised he meant no other life" (pg 134). Many songs portray the feelings that John Barton fells, an excellent example being the chorus of Simple Plan's Welcome to my Life:
"To be hurt
To fell lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked
When you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no ones there to save you
No, you don't know