Wild Geese Identity Analysis

Though incredibly clichéd, the typical independent coming-of-age film follows the story of a protagonist who has lost his or herself due to the strict social norms of their community. Over time, however, the protagonist discovers their self-identity and is finally able to confidently refuse to conform to society. This triumphant self-discovery often entices the audience to ask themselves a variety of questions: Where is my place in this chaotic world? How do I find my own self-identity? Who even am I? At a certain point in one’s life, they are confronted with the realization that they have not yet uncovered their true identity and as a result of this missing piece, they embark on a journey to successfully find their identity. This ‘search for

In “Wild Geese”, Oliver advocates an overall self-acceptance and informs readers that in order to find themselves among “the family of things”. Oliver’s stance on identity itself is that it is not tied to the opinion of others and that our identity is inherent, and it’s solely up to oneself to decide whether or not they can accept it. Sherman Alexie agrees with this idea in his short story “What You Pawn I Will Redeem”, claiming that the rejection of norms of the dominant culture is what leads to self-discovery. Jackson Jackson, Alexie’s protagonist, embarks on a journey to buy back his late grandmother’s regalia, an item that holds significant cultural value and ties him back to the Indian ideals he had abandoned twenty-three years before. Jackson is essentially fueled by the potential reconnection with his Indian past and discovers himself once his quest is accomplished. Jackson describes this powerful moment, claiming, “outside, I wrapped myself in my grandmother’s regalia and breathed her in... I was