Erik Fisher, the protagonist of Edward Bloor’s novel “Tangerine,” is a complex character that embodies many psychological themes, including trauma, identity formation, and the struggle for acceptance. In this essay, I will delve into Erik’s complexities and how they reflect broader psychological concepts while maintaining a conversational tone that engages with both the text and its implications.
The Shadow of Trauma
One of the most striking aspects of Erik’s character is how deeply rooted his actions and personality are in his traumatic experiences. Growing up in the shadow of his brother Paul’s vision impairment adds a layer of complexity to Erik’s psyche. Unlike Paul, who learns to navigate the world with resilience despite his challenges, Erik appears to thrive on a different type of validation—one that often manifests as aggression and dominance over others. This can be traced back to their childhood dynamics, where being “the better” son seems paramount in their parents’ eyes.
The trauma experienced by both brothers is compounded by their family dynamics. Their parents place immense pressure on Erik to succeed in football, which symbolizes not just athletic achievement but also familial approval. This pressure can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms—Erik resorts to bullying and manipulation as a means to assert control over situations he cannot manage otherwise. Psychological theories suggest that such behaviors stem from an individual’s desire to mask insecurities or unresolved emotional pain (Wallerstein & Kelly, 1980). In Erik’s case, his aggressive persona serves as armor against feelings of inadequacy stemming from both his family expectations and his brother’s plight.
The Role of Identity
Erik Fisher’s quest for identity plays a central role in understanding him as a character. He navigates adolescence amidst an overwhelming need for social acceptance, particularly within the competitive arena of high school sports. His popularity on the football field gives him a sense of belonging—a stark contrast to Paul’s experience at school where he faces isolation due to bullying related to his disability.
This juxtaposition highlights how identity can be constructed through external validation rather than intrinsic values. Erik finds self-worth through accolades on the field rather than developing meaningful relationships or confronting personal issues like jealousy or fear (Marcia, 1980). This obsession with social standing ultimately leads him down paths filled with poor choices—including manipulation and deception—proving detrimental not only for himself but also for those around him.
Another critical aspect of Erik’s personality is narcissism—a trait that shapes much of his behavior throughout “Tangerine.” His entitlement manifests through actions aimed at bolstering self-image without regard for others’ feelings or wellbeing. This becomes particularly apparent when he exploits friends and teammates for personal gain or when he lashes out against anyone who threatens his status (Raskin & Terry, 1988).
Narcissism often stems from underlying insecurities; thus it makes sense that Erik uses grandiosity as a shield against vulnerability. Yet this façade begins crumbling under scrutiny—the more we learn about Erik’s relationships with peers and family members, the clearer it becomes that those bonds are built on shaky ground fueled by fear rather than mutual respect or love.
A Reflection on Family Dynamics
The Fisher family’s dynamics play an essential role in shaping Erik’s psychology throughout “Tangerine.” Each member contributes uniquely toward either reinforcing or challenging maladaptive behaviors within one another; particularly noteworthy is how parental favoritism significantly influences both brothers’ lives differently yet equally destructively.
While their mother supports her son unconditionally—often overlooking destructive behavior—the father remains preoccupied solely with achievements leading him into denial regarding real issues facing their children (Bloor). This lackadaisical parenting style may nurture toxic traits among siblings while preventing them from addressing deeper familial issues such as emotional neglect caused by pressures surrounding success versus failure.
The Path Forward: Healing Through Understanding
If there is any hope for healing within these complicated familial structures illustrated through “Tangerine,” it lies within acknowledging shared traumas alongside building honest conversations about emotions instead dismissing them outrightly—as seen throughout various moments within Bloor’s narrative arc itself!
Paul showcases resilience while continuing down paths toward self-acceptance beyond societal norms shaped predominantly through expectations placed upon athletes; recognizing these distinctions could foster healthy dialogues breaking cycles instead perpetuating disconnection further compounding existing fears felt by all involved parties alike!
Conclusion: A Complex Portrait
In conclusion, exploring Erik Fisher’s complexities reveals much about human nature concerning trauma-infused identities shaped intricately through social constructs deriving largely from familial contexts! While we may feel empathy towards him despite repulsion evoked during certain scenes reflecting nasty tendencies displayed—it ultimately reminds readers never judge someone solely based outward appearances alone! Embracing vulnerability could pave roads towards reconciliation allowing characters like Paul grow stronger enabling each sibling find peace irrespective prior mistakes made along way!
- Bloor E., Tangerine
- Marcia J.E., Identity in Adolescence: A Developmental Perspective
- Raskin R., Terry H., A Principal Components Analysis of Narcissistic Personality Inventory and Further Evidence Of Its Construct Validity
- Wallerstein J.S., Kelly J.B., Surviving The Breakup: How Children And Parents Cope With Divorce
