Can we understand ourselves apart from others? Is our identity our own or is it fashioned by the influence of other people upon us? Can we rise above limits society defines for us? And if we can and do, what is the cost? Is identity even all that important? The Adventures of Augie March takes us through these questions. Its titular character, Augie March, searches for who he is and where he belongs. It's no coincidence he doesn't directly tell us a lot about himself. One of the beauties of this story is that we come to understand him through the events and people who have an influence upon him.
Questions About Identity
- What are Augie's most identifying characteristics?
- What personal significance does Augie's last name have for him?
- Which character do you think had the most impact on shaping Augie's self-understanding?
- What does Augie mean that you can know a man by his devils?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
We should identify Augie most by his own personality and nature.
We should identify Augie most by the influences upon him.