Identity in Red Mars is a tricky subject. Characters become very different people depending on whose perspective we view them through. Social issues such as terraforming might seem like a great idea from one person's unique perspective on the topic, but we can just as easily enter another character's perspective and see terraforming as a vile and unjust act.
As we jump in-between different characters' perspectives, we see that identity shades, distorts, and straight-up alters our views on community, the home, and even the planet. In the end, there may be no wrong or right answers presented in Red Mars, because identity hides them all beneath a mask.
And speaking of masks, be sure to swing by the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section to learn more.
Questions About Identity
- Pick any character. How do you see their identity altering their perspective on Mars? It might help to pick another character for a bit of the old compare-and-contrast.
- In our "Symbolism" section, we talk about how the characters wear masks. Do you think any character doesn't wear a mask in the novel? If yes, who, and why do you think this? If not, why not?
- Find an instance where you see identity affecting community. Find another where you see community altering identity. What can you say about the relationship between these two themes from your examples?