The novel Maestro describes how identity is not static, but very much alive, and also accumulative. Through the use of contrast, between one part of Paul's life, to another, the responders of the text can observe this accumulation of happenings which shape the main protagonist's character. This idea of an accumulative identity is also present in the poem My Father began as a God, as time goes on the more the composer sees himself as "one more of all the little men", or similar to his father. The 'little man' can be taken literally as height, or metaphorically as a man, who has shrunk in strength, and knowledge. There

The way people react to a change in identity can be seen clearly in Metamorphosis, when Gregor changes into a giant insect, his family change their views on him very rapidly, before he was the sole source of income into the family, and hence he was highly respected, however after he is shut into the room, and eventually his presence is tried to be ignored. This is a sudden change, and how people react to this, however in Maestro the transformation into an older man, is slower, and hence the reactions are less explicit. There are several catalyst events, such as when Paul becomes involved with Jimmy Papas, and the band, or when he visits Henisch in Vienna. This slow change makes it harder for the surrounding people, and the responders to see a rapid reaction. My understanding of how people react to a change in identity has been shaped by these texts, as it me their reactions through a contrast between the difference this alteration has made.

A change in both self, and community identity are closely related to this progression explored in Maestro, and My Father Began as a God. In the film, The Wogboy, Steve's attitudes to politics, and life in general change completely. This is done through a contrast between his life before, and after meeting Celia, and getting involved in the political crowds. Steve's best friend, Frank also changes his view of Steve, at this time. This change also occurs in the novella, Metamorphosis. The obvious transformation in this text is Gregor's metamorphosis into a giant insect, however if one is to look more closely at the family, and the general surrounding described, they too, undergo severe change, as described in the text; "in reality... things that were even a little way off were growing dimmer". This extract from the story also shows how Gregor felt imprisoned by his room, family, and eventually his mind. Through the use of juxtaposition the composers of these texts manage to achieve this change of personal and community identity. My views on changing identities have been expanded by these texts, as they have shown me how people react with this change.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Tuesdays Morrie, Father God, Wogboy Steve's, Pride Throughout, Maestro Paul, Peter Gold, Metamorphosis Gregor, Henisch Vienna, Identity Metamorphosis, Rick Whitely, film medium, people react, change identity, father god, tuesdays morrie, music soundtrack, film tuesdays morrie, giant insect, descriptive language, target audience, composers texts, people react change, emotive word choice, composers texts manage, feature article pride,
Approximate Word count = 1870
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)