Courage In Individuality Conformity, compliance, and obedience are factors in society that humans often fall victim to without being fully conscious of. Conformist environments strip people of their identities and these environments can become harmful for outcasts when the pressure of compliance is added. This creates a quandary for people who want to express their individualism but understand the consequences that come with singularity. The ability to express oneself and differ from others requires fortitude and endurance. In his novel, All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr uses the preservation of individuality to define courage. Characters that nourish their identities, defy authority, and put themselves at risk; displaying courage. …show more content…
When Werner was in the Nazi Youth Camp, he followed the rules, didn’t speak out, and behaved well. He is described as “Wenner is succeeding”. He is being loyal to us. He is being what everybody agrees is good. And yet every time he wakes and buttons his tunic, he feels he is betraying something.” (250). Werner feels the success of being the “perfect German boy”, but in his gut, Werner knows what he is doing is wrong. Werner's issue with knowing he is morally wrong is that he doesn’t dare to speak against authority. Werner does not have the courage to go against the tide and make independent decisions that align with his mindset. Jutta, Werner’s sister, suggests that Werner should think through his actions as an individual rather than with the group. She advises “‘Is it right,’ Jutta says, ‘to do something only because everyone else is doing it?’” (133). Jutta wants Werner to be brave and fight against injustice, although it deviates from the majority. To do what is right, Werner can speak out against opposing groups. However, speaking out requires bravery. The fears Werner has to overcome in order to express himself exemplify individuality as a form of courage. Groups can rely on the support of each other to deviate from their majority, illustrating courage