The Development Of Conformity In The Metamorphosis And James Baldwin

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Throughout history, individuals have felt torn between adhering to established social norms and showing their individuality by rising against conformity. In Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues,” the two main characters Gregor and Sonny are faced with many challenging events that contribute to the development of their identity. The continuous conflicts between individuals’ needs and social and family expectations can impact the development of identity. “Sonny’s Blues” takes place during the mid-20th century. The action of the story occurs prior to the civil rights movement, during the dark days of segregation and supposedly “separate but equal” accommodation in public institutions. Sonny and his brother grew up in a black and poor neighborhood in Harlem New York. Growing up in that era societal expectations was really high as a result of the limited amount of work available to people of color. Parents wanted what was best for their children and that entailed finishing school, getting a good job and marrying a descent young girl or boy. Without an education and without a goal to look forward to, the majority of teens would most likely be their own enemy and take a dangerous path towards their future. Parents would definitely try to prevent that outcome. In Sonny’s case what he wanted to do with his life go against what his family wanted from him. “I’m going to be a musician” (Baldwin 133). Sonny had a passion for music, preferably jazz. Jazz music was current in Harlem at that time. His parents wanted him to follow in the footsteps of his big brother who after returning from the army got married, had kids and found a good standing job as a math teacher. Wanting to be a musician was frowned upon ... ... middle of paper ... ...s well. Gregor never asked for anything but you would think that because of everything he sacrificed his family would look at him in a different way. Their lack of interest in him played a crucial part in his transformation as well. “This metamorphosis serves as a reminder of the complacency of Gregor as an assumption of self-punishment for the unrequited love of his family." (Naz 7) Sometimes we don’t see it but society and family are what make us who we are, whether it is good or bad. Our identity is solely based on who we are as a person and what society makes of us. Sonny and Gregor though differ in many ways had a lot in common when it came societal and family expectations. Gregor who had no identity lived his life based on his family’s expectations. Sonny is stuck between wanting to live his life as he saw fit and his family’s expectations and societal norms.

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