The Parade of Identity: M. E. Braddon, The Travelling Circus Performer and the (Re)Construction of Self

Hatter, Janine

Abstract

According to modern social psychology, the construction of identity occurs on three distinct levels: individual, relational and collective (Vignoles, Schwartz and Luyckx 3). Previously, psychologists argued that the three levels were self contained concepts and processes: individual identity is based on self-definition and self-agency and thus varies for each person; relational identity is based on interpersonal space within the family or the roles that one plays within a larger system; and collective identity is based on relationships within a group or social categories to which one belongs (3-4). The Handbook of Identity Theory and Research (2011) challenges this prevalent theory though by contending that the ‘multiple aspects of identity ... intersect and interact with each other’ (4); the concept of identity construction is mutable and, thus, the three levels influence each other. In this article, I apply this interconnected identity theory to the travelling circus troupe, M. E. Braddon’s depiction of circus performers in her short story ‘One Fatal Moment’ (1889) and to Braddon’s own multiple actress, author, editor, wife and mother identities. This interpretation reveals that travel and identity theory are inextricably linked for the touring circus performer, the actor and the writer. Furthermore, because the circus troupe crosses the country beginning their act on the streets (continuing it within the circus ring), the performance deconstructs the boundary between reality and façade, not only with reference to the performer’s own identity construction, but, as an extension, to the audience and the reader’s as well.

Citation

Hatter, J. (2013). The Parade of Identity: M. E. Braddon, The Travelling Circus Performer and the (Re)Construction of Self. St. John's University humanities review, 10(1), pp.26-38

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2013
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2023
• Journal: St. John’s Humanities Review
• Print ISSN: 1548-8144
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 1
• Pages: pp.26-38
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4361081
• Publisher URL: https://stjenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/HR2013_Janine-Hatter.pdf