Identities Based on Stability and Mobility in Tommy Wieringa’s Novels 𝐽𝑜𝑒 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑡, 𝐶𝑎𝑒𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑛 and 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠

Authors:

Pages: 333-341

Abstract:

Tommy Wieringa is one of the most prominent contemporary Dutch novelists. His three most famous novels – 𝐽𝑜𝑒 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑡, 𝐶𝑎𝑒𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑛 and 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 successfully reflect the idea that identity should be based both on mobility and stability. People need a home, safety and security, but also action, adventures and horizons to reach. When the one is preferred above the other an unhealthy extreme is born. In the course of the centuries the notion of identity has changed. In the past, identity was almost thoroughly predestinated and based on origin, social status and other marks of stability. Today, however, mobility, flexibility and speed are idealized. The result is acceleration and superficial experience of the reality. Actually, both roots en routes are essential. The main characters in the Wieringa’s novels are either in a state of extreme mobility or are stuck in a hopeless standstill. Their goals turn out to be achievable when they either stop and search for a safe haven or go out and conquer the world.

Keywords:

identity, mobility, stability, acceleration, migration

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