Identity is non-linear and unfixed, it can develop and devolve, complicate or simplify, even coexist with other contrasting branches of identity. In The History Boys and Narcopolis, individual identity is defined by the environment, sexuality, gender and cultural belief. In both texts these factors combine to present identity as an ever-changing entity affected and moulded the complexity of life and the punishment for not conforming to the social constructions and expectations of society.
Narcopolis and The History Boys are two extremely contrasting pieces, not only in terms of their settings, narratives and characters, but also in the style and background of the two writers. As a result, each presents their individualised perspective on identity. Thayil was born in India and went to college in Bombay where he fell into an addiction to opium. With Narcopolis as his first novel, however previously he was exclusively a poet, we shall see that this forms a unique style of writing prevalent in the prologue. Bennett is a middle-class experienced playwright and grew up in post-war Britain. There is one striking resemblance; they both drew inspiration from their own experiences. In a way, they reveal a part of their own identity in writing Narcopolis and the History Boys.
Instantly from the start of Narcopolis, the first person narrative is perplexing and unfixed
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Composed of an almost entirely male cast, with the exception of Mrs Lintott, Alan Bennett tries to draws this attention to how masculine society was with most dominant roles occupied with men. The males in the History Boys behave indifferent to gender difference which antagonises Mrs Lintott. When practising the boys interview skills, she bring up the idea that “women so seldom get a turn for a start” before enquiring if she was embarrassing Timms to which he timidly admits that she was “A bit,