Individual versus Society
Many forms of literature discuss the theme of the individual versus society. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad are examples of literature that contain this theme. Both of these works provide evidence that expresses how an individual is shaped by society. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass and Heart of Darkness express how different societies expect certain traits from an individual, and how an individual expresses him or herself differently based on society customs. Every society expects an individual to behave a certain way: these ideal behaviors differ from society to society. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass expresses the standards …show more content…
Witnessing these different societies causes Kurtz to behave differently depending on which society he is taking part in. While in Europe, Kurtz is known as a very diverse individual. He is “in charge of a trading post, a very important one, in the true ivory-country” (Conrad, 31). This quote expressed how ideally Kurtz fit into the European society and how important he is. Kurtz does not only fit well into European’s society but also Congo’s. While Kurtz is trading ivory at a port in Congo, he gains the respect of the natives, and “got the tribe to follow him” (Conrad, 61). He does not gain this leadership position in the Congo in the same manner he would in Europe. Kurtz is known to cut the heads off of any rebels in the Congo, he does this to help secure his title. This is something that would not have been acceptable in European society. Kurtz actions towards his leadership roles change depending on the society. He is either a well-respected man that uses intellect to maintain his position or a man who uses fear and violence. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglas also expresses how society can change the individual’s personality. For example, one of Douglass’s mistresses decided to teach him how to read until she discovered that society was against this practice. He expressed that this mistress had a kind heart until society corrupted her. Douglass states, “Slavery soon proved its ability to divest her of these heavenly qualities. Under its influence, the tender heart became stone, and the lamblike disposition gave way to one of tiger-like fierceness” (Douglass, 252). The desire to possess traits required by society causes the individual to change him or herself, thus putting the importance of society over the
Many forms of literature discuss the theme of the individual versus society. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad are examples of literature that contain this theme. Both of these works provide evidence that expresses how an individual is shaped by society. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass and Heart of Darkness express how different societies expect certain traits from an individual, and how an individual expresses him or herself differently based on society customs. Every society expects an individual to behave a certain way: these ideal behaviors differ from society to society. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass expresses the standards …show more content…
Witnessing these different societies causes Kurtz to behave differently depending on which society he is taking part in. While in Europe, Kurtz is known as a very diverse individual. He is “in charge of a trading post, a very important one, in the true ivory-country” (Conrad, 31). This quote expressed how ideally Kurtz fit into the European society and how important he is. Kurtz does not only fit well into European’s society but also Congo’s. While Kurtz is trading ivory at a port in Congo, he gains the respect of the natives, and “got the tribe to follow him” (Conrad, 61). He does not gain this leadership position in the Congo in the same manner he would in Europe. Kurtz is known to cut the heads off of any rebels in the Congo, he does this to help secure his title. This is something that would not have been acceptable in European society. Kurtz actions towards his leadership roles change depending on the society. He is either a well-respected man that uses intellect to maintain his position or a man who uses fear and violence. The Autobiography of Frederick Douglas also expresses how society can change the individual’s personality. For example, one of Douglass’s mistresses decided to teach him how to read until she discovered that society was against this practice. He expressed that this mistress had a kind heart until society corrupted her. Douglass states, “Slavery soon proved its ability to divest her of these heavenly qualities. Under its influence, the tender heart became stone, and the lamblike disposition gave way to one of tiger-like fierceness” (Douglass, 252). The desire to possess traits required by society causes the individual to change him or herself, thus putting the importance of society over the