In Goon Squad, many of the characters lack a sense of self. They question who they are when viewing the world around them. Rhea defines and questions who she is throughout Ask Me If I Care. She observes uniforms as a symbol for status and image, while viewing her own freckles as a definitive mark on her identity. Bennie remembers the "good old Dildo days" and has a constant fear of becoming inadequate when making love. Near the end of his life, Lou, as well as the people around him, define his identity through the man he used to be. Jocelyn remembers who Lou used to be in You (Plural) and spends the entire chapter trying to elicit the man she once knew to make himself known. Jocelyn is unable to move on from the past. Bosco wants to reclaim the fame he had as a young rockstar, despite being completely unsuited for going on tour. Even Rob in Out Of Body questions his sexuality.
Goon Squad presents a world in which everyone is connected through relationships, and are all influenced by one another, but yet where each character lacks self, possibly because they are surrounded by different ideas and perspectives. All these characters live in a world that constantly shifts around them, and they must learn how to cope with changing the changing world. The characters want to remain in one cemented identity, but the ever changing world they live in forces them to adapt their identity. That struggle, to find not only a truthful identity but an identity that can change with the advancement of society.
I enjoyed your post. I like how you described their world, it is spot on. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI like how your post points how the book investigates people trying to find their own identity. you did a great job of pulling out characters and events that prove they are struggling with their identity.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting person that really unintentionally questions herself is Sasha. She often dismisses some of her actions by claiming it wasn't really her. The reader can't help but ponder who is Sasha really.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I never really thought of it this way, but once you say it, I find it very true. Almost all of the characters in the book are searching for their true self.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the many things that this book made me realize is that no one can truly find them self. I see this in the characters of the goon squad, but also just in my life going through each day I'm trying to be my own person but no matter way people can't really be their own person with their own identify which is scary.
ReplyDelete