In everyday life, there is a constant struggle to create a sense of self within the mind of every person in this world. There is always a conflict present between the importance of self and the influence that others pose on this sense. When this sense is reached in life, there is still constant influence from others to alter this frame of mind. In many works of literature, this struggle can be seen within the characters of the story.
A conflict is always found between the importance of self and the interference that others inflict upon those who are trying to discover their sense of self. A pressuring factor is often seen to influence a person's view of themselves. Individuality and self expression are very important to happiness and success in life to one's self, and constantly there are others who hinder a person's ability to express themselves and be the person that they are.
Kate Chopin in 1894
Bean curd person of high skill
Emily Dickinson Poems Book CoverIn knowing that a person is happy with their personal status and outlook on life, they can find that it is much easier to live life with the reassurance that they know that at least they are happy with themselves.
In Emily Dickinson's poem "There is a solitude of space"ÃÂ she alludes to the fact that a man or woman's soul is theirs and theirs only, but can come into turmoil from others. The sanctity of the mind can be broken through a person's manipulation of it, and current feelings can be replaced with the negative feelings of others. In Kate Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour,"ÃÂ the main character has a poor sense of self due to the presence of her husband. As her life goes on, and she catches wind of the news that her husband has died,