Answer the following questions using your own words and ideas. Read each question carefully, and respond with an organized, complete paragraph. Ensure that you have a clear thesis and at least two supporting pieces of evidence from the text. Edit for clarity and conventions (spelling, punctuation etc).
Rubric:
/3 - Thesis
/3 - Textual Evidence
/1 – Conventions
Conformity to the norm (otherwise known as compliance towards rules/laws) is a major concern of some of the characters in "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband."
What do you think the author's attitudes or feelings about conformity are?
In "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband," the author appears to have conflicting attitudes towards conformity. On one hand, some of the characters in the story believe strongly in following social norms and rules. For example, the main character's mother values respectability and conformity above all else, and is horrified when her daughter marries a man who is significantly shorter than her. Similarly, the neighbors and townspeople all gossip and pass judgment on the couple for being different and not conforming to societal expectations. On the other hand, the author seems to also be critical of conformity and social norms. The story ultimately suggests that blindly following societal expectations can be damaging and lead to unnecessary suffering. The main character's mother is consumed by her desire for conformity, which causes her to treat her own daughter cruelly and deny her happiness. Additionally, the story suggests that conformity can prevent people from connecting with others who may be different from them, ultimately limiting their worldviews and experiences. Overall, the author seems to suggest that while some aspects of conformity may be helpful for a functioning society, it is also important to be critical of and question societal expectations that may be harmful or limiting.
In "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband," the author portrays attitudes and feelings about conformity as both positive and negative. On one hand, the characters view conformity as necessary in order to maintain societal order and avoid chaos. For example, when the tall woman and her short husband are confronted by the police officer for their unusual appearance, the officer insists that they conform to the accepted norms of appearance and behavior. This highlights the belief that conformity is necessary to prevent social disruption and maintain a sense of order. On the other hand, the author also critiques the pressure to conform, suggesting that it can stifle individuality and limit personal freedom. The characters' rebellion against societal expectations and their refusal to conform to the norms emphasize the negative consequences of rigid conformity. Thus, the author's attitudes towards conformity are complex, recognizing its importance in social order while also questioning its impact on individuality and personal freedom.
(Textual evidence: "The officer ordered them to dress normally and behave appropriately. He reminded them of the importance of the rules and said that people needed to conform to the norms of society in order to maintain order." "The tall woman and her short husband resented the pressure to conform and made a deliberate choice to express themselves in ways that challenged societal norms.")