This Boy's Life

What is the theme in This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff?

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Identity iis a theme that the majority of the characters in the novel struggle with. Toby is never given an opportunity to understand who is. His life is constantly in upheaval, making it extremely difficult for him to take a step back and examine himself. He and Rosemary are constantly on the move, which adds to this struggle. When they do settle down, they choose environments that are counterproductive to Toby's growth. Toby is placed with characters that work to break his self-confidence and pride, thereby making it impossible for Toby to really identify himself.