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Why Does One Search for Identity?

Identity, defined as the qualities, beliefs, etc., that distinguish or identify a person or thing. If we, not only Oedipus, look for identity elsewhere aside from our physical attributes and beliefs, then this definition is not the whole truth. So in turn why does one search for identity? And is our identity something that can be considered innate or do we have to distinguish it ourselves? In the work of Oedipus, we see the idea of “identity” called upon as a driving force for many of his actions throughout the text. However, what even is this driving force that makes him feel the need to know his background or where he came from? Oedipus displays this desperate search to find out who he is, where he came from or who he’s “supposed” to be and he searches for these answers by digging into the truth of his origins. But again, why does one search for identity, what’s the point?

What comes with one knowing their full identity? Just a feeling of satisfaction or does one search because they believe the truth to be something that is inevitable? In Aristotle’s “On Tragic Character” he mentions that the character should say or do things that “such a character will inevitably or probably say or do and the events of the plot may follow” (pg. 1503). With this in mind, it becomes a bit clearer as in why Oedipus was so driven to find out the truth, however, this was not the only way that the truth and plot could’ve been drawn out. Therefore, the question comes up again, why did Oedipus (and even the people in our own lives) feel the need to know their background in terms of their identity? In Oedipus’s case, I believe that not only was he just fulfilling the plot, but I also believe that he felt this “truth” would tell him who he is supposed to be. Thus, being told your background or who you’re supposed to be seems like it would be easier. However by being told who you are, you lose a sense of individualism and with that, your identity becomes bland and ultimately less of your own. 

Similar to the concept of identity in Oedipus Rex, the Divergent book series emphasizes the same idea. In these literary works, both of the main characters already have their own lives that they’re living, their own personality traits, beliefs, and etc. However they still want to know more, but when they begin to search for the truth of what makes them who they are and their background, they’re told to stop searching. Therefore, in Oedipus’s case and situations similar, why would one feel the need to search for identity if they are already their own self and persona that knowing their background won’t ultimately change who they are? I think that while the answer to this question could vary, a major component is supported by the fact that us humans are just curious. Just like Oedipus, Beatrice Prior wants to know more so that more of her life will make sense. Both pieces portray the natural curiosity that all humans seem to possess. 

Overall, everyone has an identity that is personal to themself, however the ways they choose to establish or name their identity tend to differ. For example, as the first link shows, many people find identity in their culture ( **cultural identity link**) while others find it in their personalities and other elements. On the other hand, as described in the link (**psychology of identity**), our identity develops or is formed depending on the people we are surrounded with. The article even states “Lack of a coherent sense of identity will lead to uncertainty about what one wants to do in life.” (Heshmat) and this is what I believe Oedipus found missing from his life. I think that he believed that if he found his “identity” or who he was supposed to be then his life would be fixed or even “perfect”. Yet, we see this is not exactly true. Ultimately, I believe that many may search for their identity in order to find comfort. Furthermore, with identity comes a sense of security and things such as making decisions or how we should behave become easier for us to decide and do. However, even with this in mind, we see that the idea of an identity is so much more complicated and open-ended that no one, single answer is right. In the end, the question remains unanswered as there is no one correct answer to why one searches for identity.

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