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Theme Of Identity In Unwind

Decent Essays

In the novel Unwind, the author uses the character Lev to develop a possible theme about identity: in all the problems life gives you are able to find who you truly are. In the novel, Lev was challenged on finding himself throughout the book after realizing he didn’t believe in unwinding. At the beginning of the book, Lev’s identity is formed by his pastor and religion. “Lev rolls down the window to feel the wind on his face, and closes his eyes to prepare himself. This is what I was born for. It's what I've lived my life for. I am chosen. I am blessed. And I am happy” (Shusterman 34). All Lev knows and believes in is being a tithe. Lev lived his life knowing he was born to be sacrificed, he knew nothing different. He formed his identity around this belief, …show more content…

After turning in Connor and Risa Lev decides to call Pastor Dan: “‘Lev, listen to me. Listen to me carefully. No one else knows that you're gone. As far as anyone knows, you've been tithed, and people don't ask questions about children who are tithed. Do you understand what I'm telling you?’ ‘But... I want to be tithed. I need to be. You have to call my parents and tell them. You have to get me to harvest camp.” (Shusterman 79). This was a major turning point in Lev’s identity because his identity was based on his religion. This was the first time ever that he questioned his religion and identity. Now that the man who told him that it was his honorable fate to be a tithe, doesn’t believe in tithing, causes Lev to rethink his value and his existence. Now Lev has a bigger problem trying to find his new identity. As a result of this dishonesty, Lev begins to get enraged at Pastor Dan, his parents, and his religion. He begins to start going down a very dark path that will lead to killing people and himself. “He holds his hands up before him. He holds his hands up before him. He holds his hands up before

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