<p>Prompt: Do you think that ease does not challenge us and that we need adversity to help us discover who we are?</p>
<p>Often times, in order to truly find identity, one must experience some adversity; in this sense, ease is an inadequate, unfulfilling challenge in life. Through literature and history, it is made apparent that those who conquer appear more purposeful; hardships provide meaning to life. Whether one sees it or not, the characters who have difficulty often are more resolute in their pursuits in life. This notion is furthered in The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Napoleonic era. </p>
<p>In The Scarlet Letter, the protagonist, Hester, experiences great hardship; this hardship creates purpose in her life. Having to experience public punishment and disgrace, as well as a child out of wedlock, it is clear that Hester Prynne had to conquer great adversity in her life. Her experience with these challenges helped develop her personality and attitude towards life. Due to the hardships she faced, she grew sympathetic towards those who were unfortunate. Moreover, her child, Pearl, provided her with a maternal identity she never knew she needed. Her child inadvertently steered her life back on course. Through the hardship she faced, Hester developed into a powerful, moral, maternal figure who had come to grips with her identity. Her difficulties became her defining characteristics.</p>
<p>In Napoleons time, Bonaparte transformed the face of Europe in Frances favor; Frances difficulties blossomed into strengths. Before Napoleon Bonaparte, France was spiraling out of control. Facing threats from outside and inside the country, it was clear the nation had its share of adverse challenges. Through these difficulties, Napoleon rose to power, ushering in a new age of prosperity for France. Had France not experienced its challenges, it would have never benefited from Napoleons leadership. Moreover, through Bonaparte, the country was galvanized with heavy impetus stemming from nationalism. Thus, the country unified in the face of hardship, finding new identity in a rejuvenated nationality. Through adversity, France discovered a more unified identity.</p>
<p>Contemporary beat poet Watsky once said Stereotypes begin with a grain of truth, clichés start with a boulder. Watskys thought holds true when one considers the platitude adversity creates identity. Through various mediums, be it literature or history, the notion that difficulty manifests as identity is echoed. Via The Scarlet Letter and Napoleon Bonaparte, it is clear that those who first experience hardship develop senses of unity and identity.</p>