Rebellion In Pleasantville

Rebellion in Pleasantville
Challenging conformity was a prominent theme in the film. Numerous characters defied socialistic norms and changed the dynamics of Pleasantville. Expressing yourself and going against what everyone else believes to be normal can be difficult at times, but as displayed by this film, it is worth taking the risk. Although everyone in Pleasantville has conformed to the specific customs and rules, characters such as David, Bill Johnson, Jennifer, and Betty Parker take daunting steps to change society. The actions of these characters not only altered their lives, but also the lives of the Pleasantville citizens. Whether it be introducing coloured paints or questioning how stuff works, these little things that Jennifer
If these customs were challenged everything seemed to fall apart. Prior to David and Jennifer arriving, Betty Parker was a picture perfect house wife. When things in Pleasantville began to change Betty refused to cave in to the changing society and stuck with her, and her husbands, beliefs. However, not everything remained pleasant. Betty knew that it was terrible to go against the Pleasantville customs, but something inside her was telling her to change. Firstly, Betty was introduced to many new concepts from Jennifer such as sleeping in one bed, intercourse, and how to please herself. As Betty put her newly learnt knowledge to the test she began to see colour and a tree instantaneously burst into flames. The fire symbolized that this was just the start of something big and that there was much change, along with conflicts, to come. Spectators observed the fire in awe and no one really knew what was going on. This was the first time that something imperfect had happened in the town. Secondly, Betty forgot to cook dinner for her husband one night. “Where’s my dinner?”, was a phrase that caused panic in the community. Betty’s husband looked everywhere for his wife, but Betty was no where to be seen. The imagine of the perfect wife was shattered in Mr. Parker’s eyes when his wife left the house the next day
Back home Jennifer was a popular girl. She would do anything to fit in and she took these traits with her to Pleasantville. Unlike her brother, David, Jennifer was not to keen on being in Pleasantville and did not comprehend that one little question could change how everything worked. One great example of Jennifer challenging conformity was when she attended school. During this scene it was shown that a map of Pleasantville was being explained. Strangely, it was observed by Jennifer that there was nothing beyond Pleasantville and this caused her to wonder. Jennifer innocently raised her hand and asked, “What’s outside Pleasantville?”. To her surprise the question was brushed off with a laugh and to fit in she began to giggle with her peers. This event is where all the questioning began. In Pleasantville it is taught that you should not question what is taught to you. So, even if it is a meaningless question, it is still considered an act of rebellion. Even though Jennifer was innocent, she did knowingly challenge conformity at some times, such as when she took Skip to Lover’s Lane. The importance of this event was that this was the first time that colour was seen in the town. The typical teenage culture quickly boomed and all young people changing their ways were seeing colour. Some may have disagreed with what Jennifer was doing, but that is something that will happen on your