Answer the following questions using your own words and ideas. Read each question carefully, and respond with an organized, complete paragraph. Ensure that you have a clear thesis and at least two supporting pieces of evidence from the text. Edit for clarity and conventions (spelling, punctuation etc).

Question

Rubric:
/3 - Thesis
/3 - Textual Evidence
/1 – Conventions

Conformity to the norm (otherwise known as compliance towards rules/laws) is a major concern of some of the characters in "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband."
What do you think the author's attitudes or feelings about conformity are?

Answer 1

In "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband," the author appears to have conflicting attitudes towards conformity. On one hand, some of the characters in the story believe strongly in following social norms and rules. For example, the main character's mother values respectability and conformity above all else, and is horrified when her daughter marries a man who is significantly shorter than her. Similarly, the neighbors and townspeople all gossip and pass judgment on the couple for being different and not conforming to societal expectations. On the other hand, the author seems to also be critical of conformity and social norms. The story ultimately suggests that blindly following societal expectations can be damaging and lead to unnecessary suffering. The main character's mother is consumed by her desire for conformity, which causes her to treat her own daughter cruelly and deny her happiness. Additionally, the story suggests that conformity can prevent people from connecting with others who may be different from them, ultimately limiting their worldviews and experiences. Overall, the author seems to suggest that while some aspects of conformity may be helpful for a functioning society, it is also important to be critical of and question societal expectations that may be harmful or limiting.