Volume V Special Issue III August 2025

Name of Author : Divya Rosni S, M. Maria Helen Janoba

Title of the paper : Unmasking the Self: Identity Crisis in THE ALICE NETWORK

Abstract: This paper analyses identity crisis that delves into the arduous pursuit of self identity and redefinition as portrayed in The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Set against the double backdrop of two world wars, personal, gendered, and societal identities were put to the test with trauma, espionage, and secrecy. Eve Gardiner, Charlie St. Clair, René Bordelon, and Lili indicate that the process of identity formation negotiates shades of deep psychological complexity. Characters will be analyzed as fractured identities by war, imposed femininity, and revolt using Erik Eriksons theory of identity formation along with relevant thoughts from Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler this work brings out how female spies assumed multiple identities for survival and contestation exhibiting through this act classical liberal feminism and womens strength. The storyline framework, historical backdrop, and emotional development of each character illustrate that identity is not fixed, but a dynamic construct shaped by memory, grief, societal expectations, and defiance. In the end, The Alice Network provides a strong depiction of women regaining their identity in the face of conflict, remorse, and societal scrutiny.

Keywords : Identity Crisis, Self discovery, Gender and Identity, Post war Trauma.

DOI :

Page Number : 323-326