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Traditions And Expectations In Sarah Moss's Ghost Wall

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In the novel "Ghost Wall," written by Sarah Moss, the author explores the theme of how traditions and expectations can confine and restrict the characters, preventing them from personal growth and freedom. Moss adeptly portrays this notion through the experiences of Silvie, the protagonist, and her family during an immersive archaeological reenactment.

Firstly, the weight of tradition imposes rigid roles and responsibilities on the characters. Silvie's father, Bill, is deeply entrenched in his belief of an idealized past, where ancient practices are revered. He expects his family to conform strictly to these traditions, forcing Silvie and her mother to participate in the ghost wall reenactment against their will. Silvie's identity becomes subsumed within this oppressive framework, denying her the opportunity to explore her own aspirations and desires. Her entrapment within the expectations of her family's traditional beliefs limits her potential for personal growth and self-discovery. …show more content…

The reenactment group's leader, Professor Slade, embodies this societal pressure by enforcing strict rules and expectations on the participants. Slade's inflexible adherence to gender roles assigns women submissive and secondary positions, inhibiting their ability to assert themselves or challenge the status quo. For Silvie, conforming to these expectations stifles her individuality and creativity, compelling her to suppress her own thoughts and opinions. This entrapment within societal norms perpetuates a cycle of conformity and restricts the characters' freedom to explore alternative

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