Conformity In Cool Hand Luke

Everyday individuals all over the world partake in actions that conform or contradict the societal norm. A majority of the population choose to mimic behaviour that is considered acceptable by society because they are afraid of being singled out and labelled an outsider. Others demonstrate a more deviant nature, yearning to be unique. Social scientists such as Philip Zimbardo, Stanley Milgram, and Solomon Asch examine an individual’s willingness to conform to individuals in power and or in groups. The film Cool Hand Luke follows a man who refuses to conform to accepted norms within a prison, as well as the prisoners who blindly follow the commands of the guards. The movie demonstrates the general principles of conformity, obedience to authority, …show more content…
For example, when Luke insists that he can eat fifty eggs in an hour, a fellow prisoner nicknamed Dragline challenges him although he is aware of the health risks. The other prisoners struggle with their own morals before reluctantly agreeing with Dragline. Although many are disgusted by the concept of eating fifty eggs in such a short period of time, they do not hesitate to cheer on Luke as he completes the request. Some even take bets, looking to profit from the dangerous act. Following his first attempt to flee, Luke is fed a large portion of rice. One prisoner acknowledges the subtle cruelty in the gesture and eats some of the rice as he walks by. As the scene progresses, more and more convicts mimic the actions of the first, and assist Luke in finishing the large …show more content…
At the beginning of the film, Luke is shown cutting heads off of parking meters, which is an act that deviates from the societal norm. Through the act of destroying public property, Luke establishes his need to stray from accepted rules and regulations. His behaviour is deviant as he fails to conform to the laws set by society, and is labelled as an outsider from the very first scene as he is arrested for his actions. In fact, the prison itself is a home to individuals who refuse to partake in 'normal ' actions. Luke 's three attempts to escape also demonstrates his defiance to the rules established by the prison. He refuses to live his life in a setting where his every action is analyzed and controlled by strangers and seeks to find freedom. He is especially compelled by the idea of rebellion after he is locked in “the box” upon learning of his mother’s death. The warden is afraid he will try to run and attend his mother’s funeral, and as a result, Luke makes it his mission to do so. In his end, his death signifies Luke 's ultimate act of non-conformity as a fellow prisoner refers to him as a "natural born world