Identity

Identity is an issue 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.

Toby constantly struggles between who he thinks he is and who he wants to be. Neither of these assessments are correct. Toby isn't as terrible as he thinks he is, nor is he as great as he wants to be. The most damaging blow to Toby's identity comes when Dwight takes him to...