A Study on the Identity Illusion and Essential Relationship in A Gesture Life

The purpose of this study is to understand the awakening of the essential value of characters with various identities such as Korea, Japan, and the United States through Lee, Chang-rae's A Gesture Life. The main character, who was originally of Korean descent, was adopted to Japan and shows herself as a faithful citizen in order to gain her sense of belonging and a complete identity. However, due to his bloodline limitations, he cannot become fully Japanese, and the protagonist, 0 o immigrated to the United States, lives in fantasy and fiction to gain a new identity. In order to secure his identity as an American, the protagonist does not recognize his adopted daughter as a person but treats her as a means to achieve his goals. The protagonist is caught up in the fantasy and illusion that securing the value of the white middle class can provide a sense of belonging and identity. However, the protagonist realizes the value and essence of his true identity through his adopted daughter's run away from home, her separation, and the revelation of what is hidden within him. The identity of the protagonist can be completed through close bonds and relationships between family members. In conclusion, the protagonist recovers his true identity by accepting his mixed-race adopted daughter and mixed-race grandson. (Anyang University)