In connection to reading Tobias Wolff’s Old School, students will write an essay that examines the issues of identity and persona (1)in the novel, (2)in culture today, and (3)in their own lives. After defining and analyzing how Wolff’s characters use persona in Old School, students will present their own thoughts on the topic. Students will make claims and provide evidence for their opinions about the use of personae in society at large and in their own lives. Students may use personal anecdotes, psychology, sociology, theology, or whatever else seems relevant in constructing the essay. Consider:What does Wolff’s text say about living a constructed persona? Which characters hide behind personae? How does it affect them? What aspects of personhood are intentionally constructed? What is the value of living without disguise or persona? Is it possible and to what degree? What motivates people to construct a persona, and in what ways is it damaging or useful? How does appearance (in reality and online)operate as constructed personhood. What is your persona? How intentionally have you constructed it? How has it affected you? How has it affected others?
