‘Discoveries confront and provoke the individual leading to change in self.’


Discoveries expose individuals to a range of unfamiliar set of circumstances, in turn enriching their outlook onto the world and its people. The result of this can alter the way they perceive themselves and consequently undergo a change in identity. This idea is underscored in Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Tony Kaye’s American History X. Within The Tempest, the concepts of self-reconciliation and open mindedness results in the characters’ re-evaluation of themselves and their roles in society. At the same time, American History X explores how different environments can act as a catalyst for change in an individual’s ideas and outlook towards the world, allowing for alterations of identity. Ultimately, both texts reveal the malleability of the human condition which is shaped through discoveries.

Re-evaluation of preconceived notions through discoveries impacts an individual’s perception of the world and thus their identity. This is evident in The Tempest, where Prospero learns to forgive, resulting in the stripping of his charms, and by extension, his identity. The renunciation of magic through the synecdoche of “I’ll break my staff… I’ll drown my book” is symbolic to his realisation of his revenge-driven self which caused his exile. Ariel furthers Prospero’s understanding of the reasons for his exile, pleading “that if you beheld them now, your affections, would become tender”, this prompts Prospero to discover forgiveness, making him want to return as a kinder and more compassionate ruler of Milan. Thus, The Tempest, through Prospero’s encounter with discoveries as a result of his past actions leading to redemption and consequently, a change in self.

Mirrored by American History X, Derek’s transformation was provoked by his observations of his own group in prison. The attack by his Neo-Nazi group leaving him on the floor in a fetal position, where the camera takes a close-up shot of this ‘White Power’ and Swastika tattoo emphasises the irony along with his vulnerability and symbolises the lack of value in his beliefs. This vulnerability is exposed when he cries “Just help me” to his high school African teacher, Sweeney. This signifies his change in beliefs, and thusly his own self, reinforced as his remaining time in prison is spent reading the books Sweeney sent, looking into a mirror after he is released, the regret on his face as he looks at his tattoos captured by the focus on the mirror instead of him intensifies his newfound understanding of his initial beliefs. Thus, American History X shows the power of confronting beliefs and their ability to provoke and individual to change their identity.

Changes to how a person perceives the world, and consequently their identity, can arise when confronted by people with differing perspectives. In The Tempest, Miranda encounters Ferdinand and experiences love for the first time, gaining awareness of her own desires as well as others. Miranda’s initial thoughts after seeing the shipwreck, exclaiming “O, wonder!... How beauteous mankind is!” reveals her naive personality perceiving that all things in nature is pure, this is later contrasted by her uncharacteristic sympathetic nature is revealed, explaining “I have suffered with those I saw suffer”, foreshadowing the change will undergo as she gains more insight and knowledge about the world and the people in it. Her change in self is uncovered by her declaration “I am your wife… If not, I’ll die your maid”, further straying from her initial self from the start of the play, representing, through her encounters with Ferdinand, as well as going against her father, her new self is displayed by her confident nature. Thus, The Tempest shows the ways a person can change when confronted by unfamiliar feelings, opening a door for new perspectives and a change in self.

Echoed by American History X, Derek’s change in beliefs about African-Americans is catalysed by his interactions with Lamont. Derek overcomes his ignorance of Lamont particularly due to ethnicity which leads him to new perspectives. Overcoming his prejudices, Derek laughs with Lamont after ignoring him for a year, representing his change in perspectives. Illuminated by the mid-shot focusing on Derek’s nod in disbelief as Lamont explains that he was arrest for assault after “dropping a TV on the cops foot” furthered by the silence which follows, highlighting his realisation of his prejudices, as well as revealing his change in perspective as he silently fold the laundry. This is accentuated by Derek’s choice to grow his hair out, symbolising his rejection of his “skin-head” self and the birth of his new identity. Thus, American History X, through Derek’s interactions with Lamont, exhibits the ways a person’s outlook can change through their interactions with others and how it ultimately changes the person they are.

Ultimately, The Tempest and American History X, exemplifies how an individual’s identity changes after being confronted by discoveries where their initial values are challenged. By analysing Prospero’s path of redemption and forgiveness and Miranda’s change in personality from timid and naive to confident and strong, as well as Derek’s transformation, breaking out of his Neo-Nazi, racist white supremacy group, we can conclude that discoveries confront individuals in unfamiliar situations, provoking them to adapt, and thus change themselves.