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).
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." by Feng Ji-cai
What do you think the author's attitudes or feelings about conformity are?
1 answer
The author of "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband" presents a critical view of conformity towards rules and laws, suggesting that it can lead to a loss of personal autonomy and individuality. The characters in the story are continually grappling with the tension between their own desires and societal expectations. For example, the narrator's father must choose between obeying the law and providing for his family by selling cigarettes on the black market. Meanwhile, the narrator's mother must navigate gender norms that limit her agency and autonomy, such as being expected to wait on her husband and son and not pursue her own dreams. These examples highlight the author's belief that conformity can be restrictive and oppressive. Overall, "The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband" portrays conformity as a societal pressure that can diminish individuality and agency.