Theme Analysis Essay

Theme Analysis Essay Mae 9-1

Identity is a singular word that describes who someone is; everything you say, do and think is who you are and makes up your identity. Sometimes we forget who we are and try to shape ourselves into something we are not, just to fit in with the more desirable traits that society has blatantly labeled as norms. In the short story “Janelle,” by Nikki Grimes, and “Why I Learned to Cook,” by Sara Farizan, the main characters portray their identity quietly, keeping them hidden in fear of others' judgment. “Janelle” is centered around a teenage girl struggling with self-image. She demonstrates her inability to show that she is more than what is on the outside; her identity does not only consist of what others see but

This is distinctly seen in the quote “I wish, I wish, I wish”. God, I wish people could see me on the inside, I know I’m beautiful there”(48), where it clearly shows how society will continuously judge someone purely based on what they look like. Although Janelle lacks the confidence that she desires for how she looks on the outside, she still is true to herself as she knows how beautiful she is on the inside. Janelle is such a loving and empathetic person, and can easily share and connect her emotions with others. Despite all the hate and negativity she receives from the people that surround her, the majority of the time, she shows the ability to quickly come back from others’ harsh words. Janelle confirms this, as shown in this quote, “[b]esides, your loss is someone else's gain, for I am a coconut, and the heart of me is sweeter than you know”(49). This quote is from a poem that Janelle wrote, called “Inside.” It uses strong vocabulary and develops a mood that allows readers to create an understanding of all the hardships Janelle is put through. These quotes display a level of perseverance and growth that not many people can achieve; Janelle has advanced her mindset into something positive that she can benefit from. Nonetheless, the words said by her peers are still painful, and can cut deep, but Janelle takes those words and realizes that they should not matter because they are coming from someone other than