Individuality vs. Conformity

Introduction

Word cloud containing terms in the shape of a star. text annotation indicator It can be hard to stand up for what is right and what we believe in. This internal struggle that many of us experience daily is often due to peer pressure. "Individuality vs. conformity" is a popular theme explored in literature. Is it ever okay to conform to society, or should we always be individuals? In this module, we will read the novel The Outsiders which addresses the theme of individuality. You will also discover the plot, setting, mood, types of stereotypes, and types of conflicts within the book.

Essential Questions

How do authors use conflict to advance the plot?
What is the importance of an author sharing a character's internal conflict(s) with the reader?
How does external conflict advance the events that make up the plot?
How do stereotypes affect the way we think about characters?
Why does most fiction follow a specific plot structure?

Key Terms

Conflict: A struggle between two opposing forces.
External Conflict: When a character or group struggles against some outer force (another person, group, or force of nature).
Internal Conflict: When a character struggles against a force within himself (a moral choice, a decision, or a handicap).
Plot: The sequence of related events that make up the story.
Journal: A notebook in which you write about your reading. In it, you communicate thoughts and feelings about the book you are reading. Think of the journal as a window for another person to look through to see what you are thinking.
Mood: The emotional response a reader has to a scene.
Setting: The time and place of the story.

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