Ambivalent Self-Reflective Identity in Milan Kundera’s Identity

Abstract

This research work examines ambivalent self-reflective identity in Milan Kundera’s Identity in the light of Identity Process Theory by Glynis Blackwell and fundamental categories of being by Jean-Paul Sartre. The novel revolves around the story of two characters: Chantal and Jean-Marc, in which the tension emerges when Chantal expresses her dissatisfaction with the growing disinterestedness of men towards her. Jean after being aware of her insecurity, thoughts to resolve it but happen to fill their relationship with turbulence. Therefore, this research work focuses on two specific questions: why does the novel present characters like Chantal, the protagonist, and her beloved, Jean-Marc who try to represent themselves more than what they are or what they are not? And why do characters go through social circumstances that consistently alter their identity? Focusing on these two significant characters of the novel, the paper argues Milan Kundera, in the novel, tries to debunk the conventional notion of multiple identities highlighting the significance of the process of identity formation. Kundera’s characters are the replica of human society and their behavior is the vehement projection of the ambivalent reality they experience. Foreshadowing the interference of human psychology in identity formation, the novel portrays the significance of existential social reality that demands consciousness to relegate one to the social sphere. Therefore, the work claims that the novel strives to present the ambivalent self-reflective identity of an individual in a societal discourse where circumstances demand consciousness to overcome their problem. Moreover, it stresses, identity though it is not constant, is always on the verge of transition that comes with a new fabric over time. Keywords: Ambivalent, identity, consciousness, being, reflectivity