A conflict is always found between the importance of self and the interference that others inflict upon those who are trying to discover their sense of self. A pressuring factor is often seen to influence a person's view of themselves. Individuality and self expression are very important to happiness and success in life to one's self, and constantly there are others who hinder a person's ability to express themselves and be the person that they are. In knowing that a person is happy with their personal status and outlook on life, they can find that it is much easier to live life with the reassurance that they know that at least they are happy with themselves.
In Emily Dickinson's poem "There is a solitude of space" she alludes to the fact that a man or woman's soul is theirs and theirs only, but can come into turmoil from others. The sanctity of the mind can be broken through a person's manipulation of it, and current feelings can be replaced with the negative feelings of others. In Kate Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour," the main character has a poor sense of self due to the presence of her husband. As her life goes on, and she catches wind of the news that her husband has died, she is stricken with grief. Soon, she finally realizes how great of an event this is, because she can finally be free from the bondage of marriage and all of its turmoil. Once she finds this joy within herself that she is finally free, her husband is found to be alive and returns home. Shortly before his arrival, she dies because of the great