The Maze of Identity: Quinn's Position in "City of Glass" Astrid Cope College

Identity is not something that can simply be explained in a few words. There is a variety of factors that can make up someone’s identity - family, friends, culture, environment, hobbies, interests, and gender are just a few. Many people use these factors to self-identify. For example, someone might refer to themselves as a parent or a son/daughter, a Christian or an atheist, a woman or a man. Some may identity with their profession or a certain organization. However one chooses to present themselves, it is certain that someone’s identity cannot be contained in just one word, even though a stable identity (or set of identities) can be a source of solace and stability. It is safe to say that people are at their most secure when they are comfortable with identity, but what happens when certain factors of one’s identity are taken away?

This is what happens to the character Daniel Quinn in Paul Auster’s City of Glass. Within this story, the theme of identity is woven throughout the story in a brilliant way. It is apparent that the concept of identity is Daniel Quinn’s biggest struggle from the very beginning, and it lasts until the end of the story; at which point he is a completely changed person. Quinn’s identity is comprised of a...