An Analysis Of Elizabeth’s Identity Construction In Eat Pray Love From The Perspective Of Constructivism

Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir written by a rising American novelist Elizabeth M. Gilbert(1969--) in 2006. Once published, this novel became the No. 1 New York Times bestseller. Later it was translated into over thirty languages and thus won an international popularity. In Elizabeth‘s unique humorous style and excellent story-telling skills, this memoir presents us her trips in Italy, India and Indonesia after her divorce in time sequence. By writing this book, Elizabeth not only gave modern intellectual women a reference on how to keep balance in life, but also highlighted the importance of reaching a peaceful status in their mind in order to live in this stressful mundane world.As Liz clearly mentioned in the preface of the novel, the subject of the book is ―self-inquiry‖. Thus this thesis will focus on the topic of self-identity and analyze it from the perspective of constructivism. The process of her identity construction can be divided into three parts: construction of her individual self, construction of the role as a lover, and as a friend. It aims to explore the important elements that affect the protagonist‘s self-construction process.This thesis consists of five parts namely as below:The Introduction includes the general information about the writer Elizabeth Gilbert, the novel Eat, Pray, Love, the constructivism theory adopted and the critical responses to the novel.Chapter one analyzes how the protagonist accomplished her self-construction as an individual from three aspects: search for spiritual freedom, happiness, and inner peace. In a word, she has successfully constructed her individual self, who was physically healthy, emotionally free and happy, and spiritually peaceful.Chapter two elaborates Elizabeth‘s self-construction process as an emotionally free, independent and brave lover in three romantic relationships. In dealing with the relation with her husband, Liz became emotionally free; in interacting with David, Liz became emotionally independent; in falling in love with Felipe, Liz became a brave lover.Chapter three discusses Elizabeth‘s self-construction as an altruistic friend in her interaction with the ashram devotees, a caring friend in getting along with Ketut, and a sympathetic and diplomatic friend to Wayan.In the conclusion, this thesis concludes that in Eat Pray, Love, Liz sets an example for individuals to construct her self-identity through her initiatives in different forms with support from her family and friends in different cultural environment. However, we don‘t need to become a writer, or quit our job to spend all savings travelling around the world in order to get enlightenment. If we train ourselves to be observant, we are free to develop in our own way and find opportunities to learn from life, nature, and people.