Examples Of Social Constructs In The Fall Of The City By Alden Nowlan

In the story, The Fall of the City, by Alden Nowlan, it is demonstrated that living by social constructs in a closed-minded manner may hurt others' lives and their well-being. Therefore, being open and in acceptance of others for their true selves is a necessity in a relationship. First, Teddy's uncles and aunts judge him based on his actions and hobbies, belittling him for playing with his imagination and dolls; based on the social construct that boys play sports outside and girls play with dolls inside, making Teddy feel embarrassed and wrong to changing who he is and what he enjoys. Aunt, “You’d never believe it, but that great big lummox has been playing with paper dolls!” “Paper dolls!” his aunt laughed dubiously” (Nolan 1). In the remarks by his aunt, it's clear that after finding the city and dolls upstairs, she exclaims because of the social construct, as she doesn't expect Teddy to play with dolls, and laughs at him, which shames and hurts him.

His uncle, based on social constructs, calls Teddy a girl with the skirt comments, making him embarrassed and belittled. Teddy then destroys the city, “He bent and tore at its walls''(3). After the comments and remarks by them, Teddy questions his identity and if what he had done was wrong and abnormal, leading Teddy to go to destroy what he enjoys and change, all because of judgment and hateful opinions, based on social construct and norms. Second point is, harsh and always strict parenting based on the social construct at the time of the story, (late 1800s to early 1900s), children must all be obedient and submissive, never responding to or disrespecting parents/guardians who are always correct in all decisions and situations. This norm of perfect children accepting everything, damages the relationship and starts conflict as Teddy despises the time spent with his aunt and uncle. “Teddy!” He