Shaping Identity Through Crisis: An Eriksonian Investigation in Educated by Tara Westover

The present research study aims to analyze Tara Westover’s famous novel Educated. The objective of this study is to explore how identity is shaped through crisis. It examines how the challenges and conflicts faced by Tara Westover contribute to the development and transformation of her identity, highlighting the significant role that moments of crisis play in shaping who she becomes. Additionally, it investigates Tara's struggle to reconcile her past and present identities, particularly in the light of her family's beliefs and her determination to pursue education. This investigation follows a literary study that should not take this paradigm. This research has been collected from articles, journals, newspapers, interviews, etc. The secondary source is the commentary by Paul Main “Erikson's Psychosocial Development Stages” published on March 23, 2023, on Psychosocial theory by Erik Erikson whose psychosocial theory emphasizes the role of personal crises in identity formation, and Tara's journey demonstrates resilience, willpower, and self-knowledge in overcoming challenges and gaining purpose. The abstract shows something already done and examines how those interactions shaped the characters and helped them become who they are. It also examines the cultural and sociological elements influencing the protagonist's identity and how an author interacts with information.