Examining Individuality in Literature and Films
Alex Grey once said: “In a society that tries to standardize thinking, individuality is not highly prized.” Over the years, this has progressively become clearer as the pressure to conform to society continues to create trouble and anxiety to any who attempt to be true to themselves and to those who are forced to hide behind a front. The Taming of the Shrew and Singin’ in the Rain both examine how the roles that society places us in makes it difficult to embrace our own individuality and differences as people. Despite being in different situations and time periods, both Katherine Minola and Don Lockwood felt the effects of society’s expectations of conformation in their daily lives, but, with …show more content…
“Look, here she comes, with your ungovernable wives in tow, like prisoners of her womanly persuasion.” This quote, spoken by Petruchio, Katherine’s husband, also reminds us of the time period’s expectation of women’s submission to men. Katherine doesn’t agree or fit into this role, leaving no place for her in society. This, along with her father’s actions and preference towards her sister, caused Katherine to rebel against such an attitude that she was supposed to develop and become a social outcast. Don, however said: “No, I'm no actor. I never was. Just a lot of dumb show, a shadow, a big balloon… blown up with my own importance. Well, lightning struck; the big balloon has burst. Now I know for the first time what I really am—nothing.” Because of Don’s famous career and the spotlight that was constantly being shined on him, he had decided to play the role he was put in. By the end of the movie, however, he has made a complete change and stopped doing what was expected of him, which led to true happiness. Both Katherine and Don had leading influences in their lives that stunted the growth of their individualism. Different situations and the people who influence them can cause people to either to conform to society or rebel against it. No matter the era, expectations have always shaped the way people are, whether that’s being true to themselves or
Alex Grey once said: “In a society that tries to standardize thinking, individuality is not highly prized.” Over the years, this has progressively become clearer as the pressure to conform to society continues to create trouble and anxiety to any who attempt to be true to themselves and to those who are forced to hide behind a front. The Taming of the Shrew and Singin’ in the Rain both examine how the roles that society places us in makes it difficult to embrace our own individuality and differences as people. Despite being in different situations and time periods, both Katherine Minola and Don Lockwood felt the effects of society’s expectations of conformation in their daily lives, but, with …show more content…
“Look, here she comes, with your ungovernable wives in tow, like prisoners of her womanly persuasion.” This quote, spoken by Petruchio, Katherine’s husband, also reminds us of the time period’s expectation of women’s submission to men. Katherine doesn’t agree or fit into this role, leaving no place for her in society. This, along with her father’s actions and preference towards her sister, caused Katherine to rebel against such an attitude that she was supposed to develop and become a social outcast. Don, however said: “No, I'm no actor. I never was. Just a lot of dumb show, a shadow, a big balloon… blown up with my own importance. Well, lightning struck; the big balloon has burst. Now I know for the first time what I really am—nothing.” Because of Don’s famous career and the spotlight that was constantly being shined on him, he had decided to play the role he was put in. By the end of the movie, however, he has made a complete change and stopped doing what was expected of him, which led to true happiness. Both Katherine and Don had leading influences in their lives that stunted the growth of their individualism. Different situations and the people who influence them can cause people to either to conform to society or rebel against it. No matter the era, expectations have always shaped the way people are, whether that’s being true to themselves or