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Examples Of Societal Expectations In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

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The pursuit of personal freedom is often hindered by societal expectations regarding their race, social class or gender as well as other factors. Societal expectations is an internalized social norm for individuals and for society as a whole, about what people should do and what they should not do. This can influence an individual and prevent them for pursuing personal freedom. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee showcases how an individual’s pursuit of personal freedom is driven by their current state of life, as well as the beliefs and values they hold to themselves and how sometimes society can prevent them from pursuing personal freedom. Through Mayella Ewell’s actions, Lee reinforces the idea that often society, and their expectations placed on lower classes can stop you from your pursuit of personal freedom, and trying to rise above the expectations of society. For example, the author notes that “One corner of the yard though bewildered Maycomb. Against the fence were six enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums, cared for as tenderly as if they belonged to Miss Maudie Atkinson, had Miss Maudie designed to permit geranium on her premises. People said they were Mayella Ewell’s.” (p. 195) This shows how Mayella wants to create a better life for herself, despite her state of life. This showcases how someone who is isolated, …show more content…

Dolphus represents how he is holding himself back to please society, through the following dialogue: “I try to give them a reason, you see it helps the folks if they can latch onto a reason.” (p. 229) This relates back to the topic because it shows how some people hold themselves back to please society and keep them at ease. Furthermore, this shows how society can stop people from having and pursuing personal

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