Kurt Vonnegut, the renowned author has once again produced a wonderful work of fiction that entices the reader to think. Mother Night is the fictional account of one man trying to understand who he is. The story delves deep into the human mind in an effort to understand the essence of human character.
             The main character, Howard W. Campbell, Jr., a spy during World War II, is on trial in Israel for war crimes committed during the Nazi reign. An American official had approached him before the war, in an effort to convince him to work for the Allies. Howard was persuaded to become an important official for the Nazi's propaganda ministry. He escaped after the war and lived peacefully in New York. Years later, he was recognized and brought to Israel to stand trial for war crimes. The only other person who knew his true motives can not be found. The story is an account of Howard's struggle in understanding who he is. He labors with the question of if it what is inside that defines you, or what everyone else sees?
             The idea the Vonnegut was striving at is brilliant in its concept. This concept reminded myself of a few conversations I have had with Alisa, in what it means to be yourself. Who are your really? A quote comes to mind that fits perfectly, "I'm not what I think I am, I'm not what you think I am, I am what I think you think I am". However brilliant the quote may be, it cannot explain the intricate details that combine to create what we consider ourselves. This quote does outline the basic principle that it is a combination of what we see in ourselves and in what others see that defines us.
             The combination of all we do, say and think portrays an image to society. Who is too say that this is not who we are? This is the problem facing Howard W. Campbell, Jr. He is in a position where he understands why others think what they do; however, he cannot accept this reality. In the end, he comes to term wi...