The Quest for Identity in Saud Alsanousi’s The Bamboo Stalk: A Psychosocial Reading Through Erikson’s Identity Development Theory

This research examines the psycho(social) identity development of Isa (also referred to as Jose), the protagonist in Saud Alsanousi's novel, The Bamboo Stalk (2012), through the lens of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Applying Erikson’s eight stages of identity development, the paper explores Isa’s progression from infancy to adulthood, focusing on his journey from identity diffusion to identity achievement. The study centers on Isa’s maturation, using detailed examples from the novel to illustrate his internal struggles and personal growth. While the paper primarily focuses on Isa’s identity exploration, it briefly touches on social, economic, and cultural issues that intersect with his development. Ultimately, this research highlights how Isa, despite a challenging environment and difficult childhood, successfully attains the virtues of fidelity and love— core to Erikson’s adolescent and young adulthood stages—through processes of sublimation, understanding, and forgiveness. This study eventually affirms the applicability of Erikson's theory to Isa's narrative, providing valuable insight into his quest for self-discovery.