The Father's Son and the Muvi Star : construction of Identity and Positioning in Call Me by Your Name

Abstract: The aim of the essay is to problematize the main characters' conception of identity in André Aciman's novel Call Me by Your Name. Due to Elio's inability to see himself and Oliver as continuously constructing and shifting bodies, the essay claims that the end of their relationship as they knew it during their summer in Italy was inevitable. By employing a critical discourse analysis and deconstructive approach, the way the characters position themselves during and after that summer is examined and critiqued. It is found that what contributes to the end of their relationship is their struggle with the multitude of aspects of their identities that are considered to be flaws or insufficiencies. Therefore, certain interests and aspects of their lives are kept a secret. In consequence, this secrecy hinders a full understanding of the other and reveals their idealization as wishful thinking, rather than reality.