Exploring Adolescence and Identity in Ted Dawe's Trilogy

Adolescence is a distinct and complex phase of life. The young adults, in search of their identity and freedom, make choices and develop new perspectives as they go out into the ‘real’ world. The present paper focuses on the phase of adolescence to bring out the dilemmas and identity crisis faced by these young minds especially through the main character of Ted Dawe’s trilogy—Into the River, Into the World and Thunder Road. Te Arepa/Devon, the main character of the trilogy unchains himself from school and family ties. The erroneous choices he opts for lead to his downfall. Te Arepa is not just a character in Dawe’s trilogy but he is a representative of many adolescents who find it difficult to resolve their identity crisis. The paper also tries to affirm the need for communication and understanding in relationships so that challenges can be faced by young adults with an indomitable spirit.