Individualism: The Search For Personal Freedom
In American literature, people's greatest struggle has been to find and discover one's own self through the concept of Individualism. This is a philosophy that places high value on the freedom of autonomous individuals. Self-reliance is also a key. By analyzing four literary works; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, Billy Budd, by Herman Melville, and The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand, several different portrayals of Individualism are introduced. Although the different time periods and settings of these novels cause the authors to delineate this philosophy in different ways, one idea remains constant throughout each of these works. It is the idea that society is flawed and that Individualism is the ideal goal of humanity, with only the social restraints of the world in the way. In each novel, the individual serves as the mediator between morals and social values, deciding which of the two should be followed, constantly stressing! to the reader that it is not as important to be accepted as it is to stand up and support what one believes in, even if it results in social censure. Based on Herman Melville's life at sea, Billy Budd tells the story of a handsome young sailor whose ind
"What folly! to bathe at such an hour in such heat!", exclaimed Mr. Pontellier. He which in wantonness of atrocity would seem to partake of the insane, he will direct a cool judgment tions of conformity. The main issue here is that of sexual discrimination, and this novel is Chopin's message and plight for a new system that provides equal rights. ividualistic nature, innocence and naivet? lead to his tragic death for a crime committed justifiably. A sailor himself, the author bases Billy Budd's main theme on one of his own past experiences. While at sea, Melville's cousin, Guert Gansevoort, had ordered three men hanged. He confronts a similar issue, asking which side is right: moral justice or social law. Melville portrays Billy Budd as the victim of a society who thinks that sticking to traditions and set laws takes precedence over what is correct morally. One technique that the author uses in proving his point is contrasting the traits of another character, John Claggart, with those of Billy. In this novel, Claggart represents humanity, while Billy symbolizes morality and social justice. Claggart's innate evil suggests the nature of society, and how it is flawed. One example of this evil is shown when Billy spills some soup on the deck of the ship. It is only a simple accident, nothing more, but Claggart's hatred for Billy (or good itself) takes over and Claggart comments sardonically towards Billy's harmless accident. The envy and hatred evident in Claggart's character is tantamount to society's nature. The following quote is an example of Melville's portrayal of Claggart as the personification of the evil present in society, an evil with no purpose but to destroy the individual who stands in the way of its beliefs. s that it is a way for one to achieve personal freedom, and to lighten the load of social burdens, because it should not be society that dictates peoples' lives, but rather their own ideals. Thus, Individualism plays a key role in the lives of Americans, because from analyzing these literary works, it is clearly evident that society cannot be counted on, because throughout American history, it has become corrupted, and its values adulterated. In order for America to survive, and peace to exist, this country needs individuals who can act and think for themselves, and not be afraid to voice their opinions. Individualism will always remain and never cease to exist until society as a whole is made up of individuals who think for themselves. The strongest argument that Twain uses to advocate the individual is that concerning the issue of slavery. Huck's individuality is evident as he rejects a religion which believes that slavery is okay, and the system of slavery itself. The reader sees Huck's refusal to adapt to society's religion early in the novel, where Miss Watson tries to convert him. The flaw in society shown here is the contradiction between supporting slavery and Christianity at the same time. It is not possible for these two beliefs to coexist in the same set of values. Thus, Huck's refusal to change is justified. Huck's denial of slavery is obvious when he spares Jim, and decides not to turn him in. The next excerpt from the text will serve to show what he thinks of society's values. The Awakening is a call for women to find and free themselves from the burdens of traditional values. They should enjoy their lives and fight for what they deserve. It is not fair for women's growth to be limited. Without freedom, they would lead nothing but, dull, insipid lives that amount to nothing. Chopin proclaims that it is right for a woman such as Edna to determine the course of her own life, and wrong for society to keep her away from the privileges which she is entitled to as an individual human being. Society takes away the freedom of women, which is to Chopin an unforgivable crime. This quote shows that society places money above all things. It also s
Some common words found in the essay are:
Howard Roark, Finn Huck, Iberville Feeling, Miss Watson, Claggart Billy, Billy Budd, Melville Claggart, Hold Parker, Judge Thatcher, Mark Twain, billy budd, one's own, howard roark, mark twain, adventures huckleberry finn, system slavery, adventures huckleberry, huckleberry finn, moral values, society's values, women treated, awakening kate chopin, throughout american history, money material wealth,
Approximate Word count = 3676
Approximate Pages = 15 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
