Social Norms In Literature

These literary works reveal that the same social concerns that were present centuries ago remain prominent. What have changed are times and the conditions under which standards are set. Sexuality, gender, and image define the individuality of a person. When these are suppressed and shaped in order to conform to the ideals of society, they are limited by social norms....While social norms may serve to create some beneficial boundaries for the common good, they are more debilitating than helpful. When taken to the extreme, they serve as an excuse to eliminate originality. Ultimately, according to these literary works, it is illustrated how conforming to social norms prohibit the shaping of a unique