Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece, "Great Expectations," was written as a brutal commentary on the social hierarchy system during the Victorian era. ... Throughout the novel, the essentially good-hearted characters learn to live with what they have and therefore, find peace and happiness in even the harshest of life's realities. Some of these "good" characters are noteworthy; Joe, Wemmick, Herbert and Matthew Pocket. ... At this moment, Pip finally realizes that all of his great expectations "on becoming a gentleman and living the wealthy life, mean nothing when you have no one...

• Word Count: 1549
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

When looked up in the dictionary, the word identity refers to the distinguishing character or personality of an individual that is marked by psychological, social, and cultural factors. ... Seamus Heaney's poem, Mid-Term Break, is a great example of how society's expectations can impact identity because the poem is about a young man who is away at school to obtain an education and establish his identity when he is called back home to deal with the death of his younger brother. ... Another poem that touches on identity and social expectations is the poem, My Father's Song, by Sim...

• Word Count: 2322
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Nevertheless, the careful reader notices a curious trend in many of Shakespeare's plays: many of Shakespeare's female characters exercise a rather great deal of delicate forms of power and influence, and often do so in unusual and even subversive ways that challenge traditional gender roles. ... Besides, all three of these female characters from the aforesaid plays are all quite developed and are in many ways some of the most complex characters presented in their respective plays.Although Shakespeare permits some of the female characters to exist fully outside of conventional norms, ...

• Word Count: 2208
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate

Each female character portrays a different part of society, ranging from the powerful rich, to the disrespected poor. ... The character who was most affected by society was Lily Bart. Lily's entire life, and then even her death, revolved around social expectations. ... Though completely opposite from Bertha's character, Judy Trenor's personality was also formed by her social class. ... If she sways people to accept a person into their high social ring, then once they are in, they must show gratitude and respect towards Carry for her great favor. ...

• Word Count: 1424
• Approx Pages: 6

The outcome of the characters and events which occur during the novel tell us much about the values informing the novel. ... However, Eva rejects her ascribed subjectivity allowing her to grow beyond the constraints of society's expectations. ... This displays Eva's development from a position in society that restrained her from gaining power of any sort, to one that allowed her great flexibility of power. ... Rolf grew up with great influence from his mother. ... Society's values of that time regarding sex are challenged by Allende through Eva's character. ...

• Word Count: 1714
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Deviance is a variation from a set of norms or shared social expectations. ... It is at this point when Roderigo is introduced as a main character. ... Finally The Mission is also a great example of social inequality. ... There was also a great gap between the rich and the poor. I also like the character of Roderigo and the deviance he brought to the movie. ...

• Word Count: 1484
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

In contrast, John Keating encourages students to find their individual paths in life, to follow their hearts and fight conformity and the expectations of society. ... The students have to live up to the expectations of their parents and the school by excelling in all of their subjects and sports. ... Keating believes that individuals can achieve excellence by working to the best of their own standards and expectations. ... We see a great example of this when Keating says to the students;" Men lead lives of quiet desperation, don't be resigned to that - break out! ... Through the chara...

• Word Count: 1552
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

A Doll's House 2003 Assignment Explain how a playwright employs minor characters to establish the dominant values of a society in which the central character is marginalised. ... You and Papa have done me a great wrong. ... She had a self described joy in her life, her love of work, "All my life as long as I can remember, I've worked-that's been one of my one great joy." ... No character demonstrates this better than Linde and eventually Nora as she follows suit. ... This nonchalant acceptance of an unwanted marriage is owed to her education and understanding of the societ...

• Word Count: 1317
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

An examination of the books I read, I found literature to be like a mirror to a great extent in many ways. ... Hamlets' character flaws mirror my own. ... In the country where I was born, China, males are believed to be superior to females due to gender roles and expectations that has resisted through time. ... She was assumed to be untrustworthy and of ill character. ... Since Sommer was born and raised in America, her understanding and expectations of men in society is d...

• Word Count: 1988
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

It criticises the oppressive determinist social values and norms in society that govern the individual by common-held morals, expectations and the undermining of free will. ... The characters are determined by their financial position and judged accordingly. ... May Sinclair seems critical of the class structures that invade the personal relations between her characters. ... This satire and use of verbal irony is used to great dramatic effect throughout the novel. ... Patriarchal authority and expression is extremely relevant to the characters, as Harriett's mother within the text does no...

• Word Count: 1734
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate