The Multiplicity of Identity --“Persona” by Yoko Tawada and the Hybridity of Cultures--

Abstract

In this essay, the multiple aspect of cultural identity is evaluated. In today's globalized society, identity is one of the themes which people face difficulty with. The identity has become much more complicated since people have more mobility and started to share and experience diverse cultures. Each person holds more than one cultural or ethnic background, which contradicts with conventional understanding of mono identity. Especially, Japan has been believed as a homogeneous society where people have strong beliefs of identical ethnical backgrounds among each other. However, like Yoko Tawada, there are some Japanese who realize the possibility of diverse and heterogeneous characteristics within Japanese society. With regard to the identity theory stated by Erving Goffman, I will be analyzing how identity is determined in the novel “Persona” by Yoko Tawada. I believe that this analysis of identity within the novel provides us with an understanding of people who hold multicultural backgrounds and also the response of society towards such people. It will help us to realize the possibility of multiple aspects of our own identities and lead us to accept and transform into a much more diverse society.