How can you find a strong identity when you keep jumping back and forth in time? The Time Traveler's Wife examines that question with the character of Henry – because Henry doesn't live in continuous time, he often (understandably) feels lost. After meeting Clare, he admits to himself that he suddenly feels more grounded in his identity because it's now closely tied to her. Clare seems to know the "real" Henry. Yet, even with this new sense of stability, it's hard for Henry to have a clear identity for the other characters in the story.
Questions About Identity
- Could Henry's drinking problem be related to his search for identity?
- Does Henry's true identity shift or stay the same throughout his life?
- How does Henry shape Clare's identity? How does Clare impact Henry's?