Conformity

Definition

Conformity refers to the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms or expectations. It often arises from the desire for acceptance, leading individuals to suppress their personal views or actions in order to align with the group. This theme is prevalent in literature and drama, illustrating the struggle between individuality and societal pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Waiting for Godot', characters display a sense of conformity through their repetitive actions and dialogues, illustrating their surrender to societal expectations.
2. 'Rhinoceros' explores the concept of conformity as characters turn into rhinoceroses, symbolizing the loss of individuality in the face of mass behavior.
3. Both 'The Caretaker' and 'The Birthday Party' reflect conformity through characters who navigate oppressive environments that enforce social norms.
4. Conformity can lead to a loss of personal identity, as seen in characters who adapt their behavior to please others or fit into their surroundings.
5. The tension between conformity and rebellion is central to the narratives, revealing how characters cope with internal conflicts against external pressures.

Review Questions

• How do characters in 'Waiting for Godot' demonstrate conformity, and what implications does this have for their identity?
  • In 'Waiting for Godot', characters like Vladimir and Estragon show conformity through their dependency on waiting for Godot, which represents societal expectations. Their routines illustrate how they suppress their individuality for a sense of belonging. This conformity impacts their identities as they become trapped in a cycle of inaction and hopelessness, highlighting the struggles between personal desire and societal pressure.
• Discuss how 'Rhinoceros' uses the theme of conformity to address societal issues. What message does this convey?
  • 'Rhinoceros' uses the transformation of characters into rhinoceroses as a metaphor for conformity and societal compliance. The play critiques how individuals can easily succumb to collective behavior, losing their unique identities. This message warns against the dangers of mass movements and the importance of maintaining one's beliefs in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform.
• Analyze the role of conformity in both 'The Caretaker' and 'The Birthday Party'. How does this theme shape character dynamics and conflicts?
  • In both 'The Caretaker' and 'The Birthday Party', conformity plays a crucial role in shaping character dynamics and conflicts. Characters often navigate oppressive environments that force them to conform to social expectations, leading to power struggles and tension. In 'The Caretaker', the struggle for dominance among characters reflects their need for control amidst a backdrop of social norms. Similarly, in 'The Birthday Party', the pressure to conform creates paranoia and chaos, ultimately driving characters towards conflict as they grapple with their individuality versus societal demands.

Related terms

Peer Pressure: The influence exerted by a peer group on its individual members to fit in with group norms and behaviors.

Alienation:

A feeling of disconnection or estrangement from a group or society, often experienced by those who resist conformity.

Nonconformity: The refusal to conform to established customs, attitudes, or norms, often highlighting individualism and personal beliefs.