Identity In This Boy's Life By Tobias Wolff

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This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff explores the childhood of none other than Tobias Wolff, also known as Jack, as he moves to different states, endures undesirable family issues, and more importantly searches for self-identity. The quote I chose, bolded above, stood out to me because it reveals the conflicting aspects of Jack’s character and represents his desired identity. Leading up to this moment in the novel, Jack was associating with people at school who were negative influences on him and his grades were also slipping. However, when his older brother convinces him to apply to multiple prestigious preparatory schools his mindset changes, but it is too late to gain the credentials he needs to get in. Jack does not give up, but rather uses

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