Self-Confidence In Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Dreams

Samuel Johnson once said, “Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.” It is apparent that self-confidence is the key to success, but maintaining that self confidence is a tool that less possess. The question is not whether someone has the ability to maintain self-confidence or not, but rather, how influential is self-confidence in the development of one’s life? The very answer to that inquiry can be found in Barbara Kingsolver’s novel, Animal Dreams in which characters can be found to be intensely affected by their own lack of self-confidence. Although, many believe that self-confidence plays a tremendously important role in the development of a person, some would argue that self-confidence is but our imagination; and the real problem lies within one’s personality and beliefs. The effects of self-confidence and the degree in which individuals overcome that burden of doubt is certainly a cultural question that requires deep analysis and complex thought. This question originates from Codi’s inability to believe and trust herself with not only her internal but her external problems as well.

Throughout the novel, Barbara Kingsolver clearly indicates Codi’s many insecurities that affect her everyday life and inhibit her

In some respects, the time lost due to her lack of self-confidence is time never to be regained again, but the fact is without the lack of self-confidence Codi had she would have never had the relationships or events take place that shaped her into the character Kingsolver intended her to be. Grace became the place she belonged and everyone in it belonged to her. As a character it was important for Codi to return to Grace and realize that truth, and regain the self-confidence she needed to move past the struggles of yesterday and move toward the promise of