Conformity In The Lives Of The Saints

Conformity is defined as a social influence involving changes in beliefs, behaviors, or mindsets in order to fit in with a group, and can be the result of societal pressures. Often it is seen that many virtuous people will yield to the temptation of these pressures, acting in such a way or even adopting the beliefs of people of a particular group. Throughout the novel Lives of the Saints by Nino Ricci many different characters from the small Italian village of Valle de Sole are introduced, few of which seem to have their own distinct voices or personalities. Cristina Innocente is seen as someone who is extraordinarily strong willed. She is very stubborn, and does not allow the narrow minds of those around her to influence her opinions. She seems to be the one person in the village that does not conform to the social norms of their society, as even her own father berates her for her actions throughout the course of the novel. The pressure felt by the people from Valle de Sole to follow convention was the pressure of social norms, expectations, or customs. It is evidenced that our characters live in a society very much rooted in traditions, compliance and group acceptance. Their culture, rooted deeply in religion, history, and superstitions leads them to denounce Cristina, and condemn her young son Vittorio and father along with her. …show more content…
The superstitious nature of the village, rigid religious beliefs, and fixed traditions or roles all contribute to the group conformity of the villagers and the eventual condemnation of Cristina’s character in Lives of the