Individual desires

Definition

Individual desires refer to the personal wishes, aspirations, and needs that drive a person's actions and choices. In literature, these desires often conflict with societal norms or expectations, creating tension and character development. Exploring individual desires can reveal deeper themes related to identity, autonomy, and the human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In major novels from the late 17th to mid-19th century, individual desires are often at the center of character motivations and plot development.
2. Many characters face internal conflicts between their personal desires and the expectations imposed by society or family.
3. Authors use individual desires to explore themes of love, ambition, and freedom, often highlighting the struggle for self-identity.
4. The fulfillment or suppression of individual desires can lead to significant consequences for characters, shaping their journeys and relationships.
5. Romanticism particularly emphasized individual desires as a reaction against the rigid constraints of Enlightenment thought and industrialization.

Review Questions

• How do individual desires shape character motivations in major novels of this period?
  • Individual desires are crucial in shaping character motivations as they reflect the internal struggles and aspirations that drive characters' actions. For example, protagonists often grapple with personal goals that clash with societal expectations, creating tension in their journeys. This exploration helps readers understand the complexity of human emotions and choices within the narrative.
• Analyze how conflicts between individual desires and societal norms contribute to character development.
  • Conflicts between individual desires and societal norms play a significant role in character development by forcing characters to confront their values and make choices that define them. When characters pursue their desires against societal pressures, it can lead to growth or downfall, providing a deeper insight into their personalities. This dynamic often illustrates broader themes of freedom versus conformity and the search for identity.
• Evaluate the impact of individual desires on the overall themes of autonomy and identity in selected major novels.
  • The impact of individual desires on themes of autonomy and identity is profound in selected major novels. Characters' pursuits of their personal aspirations often highlight the struggle for independence and self-definition in a restrictive society. Through their journeys, readers witness how fulfilling or sacrificing these desires shapes not only their identities but also reflects societal constraints, ultimately questioning what it means to be truly free.

Related terms

Self-actualization: The realization of one's potential, self-fulfillment, and seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, often arising from conflicting desires or motivations within characters.

Character Development: The process by which a character undergoes change or growth throughout a story, often influenced by their individual desires.