Identity is the “condition of being oneself”. This identity is predominantly based on relationships formed with peers and family. Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta, explores the life of Josephine Alibrandi and her journey to find her real identity. At the beginning of the novel, Josephine is unsure of her cultural, social and personal standing within her society. The novel Divergent by Veronica Roth presents similar issues in relation to uncertainty of the protagonist’s identity. However, the influences of relationships in this novel differ to those shown in Looking for Alibrandi. Josephine's relationship with her grandmother, Nonna Katia, is central to forming her identity. Coming from a traditional Italian family, Nonna emphasises the way in which Josie must behave to be in keeping with her culture. She stresses the importance of one’s reputation within her Italian community. “Talk could break you, Jozzie”. Josie resents her close connection to the Italian culture. “I had it the worst.”, she is …show more content…
Her identity is strongly influenced by the way she is required to live within her society. Each “faction” must have one main value, which is strictly adhered to with no interaction between “factions”. This means Beatrice’s identity is influenced purely by people who live in a very similar way, selflessly. Beatrice looks up to her brother, Caleb, as a perfect citizen of Abnegation, making her feel unworthy of the faction. She believes Caleb is comfortable in his identity and she envies that. Beatrice is unsure of herself, which is a characteristic of her upbringing in Abnegation, as she was never allowed to focus on herself. The aptitude test is where one is allowed to ascertain their true identity and place in society. Beatrice’s results show her to be selfless, brave and intelligent, therefore giving an inconclusive result as to her identity, making her