2022 IB Diploma Extended Essays

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understanding of Danny’s lack of self-unity. Caswell’s Buddhist allusions suggest his character Toan’s inability to form individual opinions. Both texts similarly employ a discussion of familial and social expectations in order to highlight identity limitations – Adiga stresses the dictatorship of taboo over Danny’s life, and Caswell the influence of traditional normalities. In Only the Heart , however, this discussion extends to highlight a generational cultural change and separation, while throughout Amnesty , Adiga suggests a greater social hierarchal divide. Finally, Adiga’s characterisation of messianic figures and Danny’s idolisation of successful Asian-Australian immigrants furthers this consequence, emphasising Danny’s loss of self through his vulnerability to influence. Only the Heart and Amnesty convey various aspects of immigrational consequences on identity; while specific focusses vary, Adiga and Caswell both suggest the loss of individual sense-of-self and personal incongruity resulting from hybrid cultural identity. Ultimately, the authors warn to value individualism, discussing the destructive impact which personal uncertainty, especially that which arises from immigration and distance from cultural origin, can have on identity and sense of self.