The Theme Of Conformity And Rebellion In 'A Raisin In The Sun'

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Conformity and rebellion are two characteristics that cannot exist without each other. If no one were to conform then there would be no set standard for anyone to rebel against. Without rebellion conformity would not be challenged. Madness comes into play when describing those that rebel against the norm. Dickinson describes anyone with a rebellious attitude as “demur you’re straightway dangerous and handled with a chain” society treats people like this because the idea of change can scare a lot of people. Many of these themes are seen throughout literature. A Raisin in the Sun is a play set in the south side of Chicago during the 1950s. During this time the civil rights movement was happening and racial tension was at a high. Many African …show more content…

The consequence of not keeping with this schedule results in citizens getting their cardio plates wiped resulting in death. Harlequin goes around causing chaos and disrupting the schedule of things. He disrupts the cycle of things so much that the Ticktockman gets involved and starts looking for him. The Harlequin can no longer evade the Ticktockman and gets captured. Harlequin is then asked to repent for his rebellion. The Ticktockman sends Harlequin to a place called Coventry where he is brainwashed and tells the public that being right on time is a good thing. The Ticktockman ends up being three minutes late because of all of this so in the end the Harlequin does what he set out to do …show more content…

The reason for this is because many of them have conformed too what society has told them is the norm which is to continue on with life on a rigid schedule. Harlequin understands that the way his society is set up is wrong. He understands that people may find him mad because of his actions but it’s worth it not to conform. In his conversation with the Ticktockman he tells him “id rather be dead than live in a dumb world with a bogeyman like you” (Ellison 361) meaning that he understands that him rebelling is something that is going to last longer than him. Even in the end Harlequin is asked to repent for what he has done and gives a rebellious answer back “Get stuffed” (Ellison 361). Rebellion, conformity, and madness are all things that go hand and hand. People who are rebellious are usually labeled mad because they go against what is the norm of society like the Harlequin. The younger family rebelled against the norm at the time because they were tired of the circumstances that they were put

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