Themes of Conformity in Society - 561 Words

As readers, we see how the analysis of conflictive themes has been taking over literature scenarios. When reading between the lines of certain books we can perceive themes such as conformity and rebellion. Mostly these themes can be seen in writings from times of social upheaval. According to The Oxford Dictionary, the word conformity means â€Å"behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards†, while rebellion means â€Å"the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention.† These terms create a constant battle among societies. A certain amount of conformity needs to exist in life in order to avoid disorder. This is the reason society has laws, rules and expectations. Literature represents life, and these themes can be found at the root of many literary works. Conformity can also be considered as silence. This silence is based on the restrictions of real feelings and thoughts in some literary pieces. During the sixteenth centur y, the emphasis on conformity was at its height. Works of literature from this time period have often reflected a fascination and frustration with this particular characteristic. People do not want to be restricted in terms of expressing opinions and developing certain activities. When facing oppression, denial of their freedom, they rebel, and that contributes to the part of the process of change in society. Not all kinds of rebellions are rationally fundamental, but when they are, it can transform society for theShow MoreRelatedThe Movie Cool Hand Luke 1164 Words   |  5 Pagesprisoners. Unfortunately at the end, Luke ends up getting shot and killed. After viewing the movie â€Å"Cool Hand Luke† there were three main psychological themes that were very prevalent on the basis of the film. The three Psychological themes consisted of Obedience to Authority, Conformity, and Nonconformity meaning that it will be addressed how society affects the way individuals behave, thin k, and feel. First and foremost, The first thing that is going to be addressed within prevalence in the filmRead MoreA P By John Updike1532 Words   |  7 PagesPaper 1: AP by John Updike In this essay I will be reviewing the six elements of fiction: point of view, plot, setting, characterization, symbolism, and theme in the story, AP by John Updike, to see how it constitutes to the work as a whole. Sammy, a 19-year-old cashier at the AP, narrates AP. In this first-person narrative, the narrator tells us everything as he sees it, but since it is a limited point of view the narrator is unreliable. But this allows the reader to notice growth in the characterRead MoreCatcher In The Rye Nonconformist Analysis700 Words   |  3 Pagesselfish, evil people whose conformity is destroying society? According to Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, the second question models the world in which he lives. Over a span of three days, nonconformist Holden seeks different people to connect with, most of whom are conformists, but is left isolated and unhappy as no one seems to care about him. Through the characterization of Holden Caulfield, JD Salinger develops the theme of society’s disdain of nonconformityRead MoreBelonging - a Clockwork Orange Essays679 Words   |  3 Pageswill allow a sense of identity, without this we lose our huma nity; however, conformity is in a sense a facade of belonging, as it restrains our freedom and forces us to only mimic. My studied texts show how society demands us to conform, yet conformity prevents a sense of true identity being ever created. This notion is elaborated in the novel, A Clockwork Orange. Alex is a criminal who doesn’t belong anywhere within society. In the novel, the government attempts to suppress his criminality by physicallyRead MoreNon-Conformity in The Catcher in the Rye and Igby Goes Down Essay1170 Words   |  5 Pagesthe issue of non-conformity among youth. As Steers’ text is an appropriation of Salinger’s, similar ideas and opinions are presented, however they are affected by both context and medium in the way that they are conveyed, and the composers view on the issues. Despite this, their purpose remains the same, and that is to show the positive and negative sides of non-conformism on the mental and physical health of contemporary youth. The issues used to convey this purpose are conformity, growing up andRead MoreJohn Ford’s acclaimed film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) is well-known among cinema buffs800 Words   |  4 Pagesit sheds light on the theme of the film, which is that of the American identity. What Ford articulates in the film is a vision of the American character that is rooted in the heritage of the Old West and in the doctrines of freedom and liberty that underlie the founding of America as a nation. In many ways, the film traces a cynical evolution from the earliest days of the frontier, symbolizing self-reliance and individuality, and the modern era of media and social conformity. The reason that theRead MoreEssay On Chris Mccandless969 Words   |  4 Pagesan individual’s purpose is to be unique and to avoid being conformed by civilization. Ralph Waldo Emerson views a persons purpose as to not conform, however he advises to be well versed in a vast majority of areas, both of these authors view non-conformity as the most important trait a person may have and view civilization as evil. Chris McCandless was a young man who desired an adventurous and exciting life, not to be held down from civilization’s restraints and social norms. In addition, ChrisRead More Social Change In Japan Essay1582 Words   |  7 Pageseliminate diversity are the family, the power of gender, the poor treatment of minority groups, the corporate Japanese mentality, and the respect required by people in authority. However, due to globalization and the shrinking of the world, Japanese society is starting to make the change to diversity. The individualistic mentality shared by the new technology driven younger generation is putting pressure on the old Japanese status quo. The transformation is happening very slow, but as the populationRead MoreRay BradburyS Fahrenheit 451 Shows A Society Where, Similar1070 Words   |  5 PagesRay Bradbury s Fahrenheit 451 shows a society where, similar to modern day America, technology and conformity are praised, but unique ideas are seen as taboo. Ma ny have heard phrases to the effect of â€Å"Don’t watch so much TV, it’ll rot your brain!† But is there any validity to these claims? Ray Bradbury thought so when he wrote the novel, and he is not alone in these beliefs. Many believe that television can have detrimental effects on one s intellect, as well as their individuality. Similarly,Read MoreMen in Black and Star Wars the Phantom Menace as Science Fiction923 Words   |  4 Pagesland and values; also there is an element of power that is exerted between two sides disrupting the peace and the balance of the universe. Secrecy is added to indicate that not everything should be available for all to see. Conformity is a key theme and is evident throughout, either via costume or setting. These films also reflect on the importance of secrecy to keep the balance of power and ensure that conflict does not arise and the fact that authority, no matter how