Identity In Marie G. Lee's Finding My Voice

In society, teens often battle with self-image, acceptance, the pressure of other’s opinions, and distinguishing their identity. Marie G. Lee’s novel Finding My Voice focuses on issues that numerous adolescents can relate to, and how individuals are able to conquer them. The duration of this exposition is portrayed through the perspective of a high-schooler named Ellen Sung. She has a collection of her own issues, struggling with her own identity and speaking out. This narrative displays character development in individuals as well as the gradual realization that it is acceptable to be your own person and have confidence in yourself. II. Initially, Ellen is viewed as insecure and unsatisfied with herself, daunted by the idea of being different

Approaching the mid-section of the publication, Ellen experiments by expanding her comfort zone in terms with Tomper Sandel, and in gymnastics; however, her reactions to the racist remarks remain constant. In the novel, Ellen’s status with Tomper develops and a relationship is initiated between the two commencing when Ellen’s parents are in Minneapolis, “What if I came over to visit you? I’ve never seen your house before.” (pg. 125) and continue when Tomper informs Ellen, “I figured out that I want to ask you to a movie on Friday.” Vaguely, readers are able to see a transition in her attitude towards gymnastics after Marsha’s performance at their meet, “Maybe I can learn something new and exciting on the beam. I see Barbara standing by the beam so I approach her. ‘I’d like to learn a Valdez on the beam.’ ” This shows her growth from the previous thought from earlier chapters, “She has three stars on her leotard because she’s lettered every year. I don’t have any stars on mine, but I’m working on it.” Ellen’s unease is prominent as she attempts to manage the racist comments directed explicitly at her from peers and adult figures, “You Koreans WOK your dogs!” (pg. 39), “Hey ching-ding-a-ling watch it,” (pg. 107), “ ‘I’m not scared of you.’- I know what’s coming next - ‘chink face.’ ” (pg. 146) control her attitudes and responses. Her coping mechanism is persistent, to introvert them, conceal her emotions since she believes it will affect her less. As she dates Tomper, and progressively excels in gymnastics, Ellen will realize through the support of her friends that she is her own person, and will make her own choices for her