In the novel "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli, the arrival of the enigmatic character Stargirl creates a sense of discomfort among the students of Mica Area High School. This unease stems from the rigid social norms, including conformity and peer pressure, which heavily influence the students' reactions to Stargirl. These societal forces are deeply ingrained within the students, making them question Stargirl's authenticity and validity as a person.
Conformity, the act of matching one's behavior and beliefs to fit in with a certain group, is a dynamic force in the students' lives. The excerpt reveals that Stargirl's presence deviates from the norm, as she wears a long, pioneer-style dress, carries a ukulele, and sings Happy Birthday to students in the cafeteria. These actions contradict the established social order at Mica High, where fitting in and adhering to the crowd's expectations are paramount. Stargirl's refusal to conform challenges the students' own adherence to social norms, causing them to question her authenticity and even perceive her as an illusion. The text states, "The lunchroom emptied slowly...Students chanced glances, test glances. Who was this? Was she real?"
Peer pressure exacerbates the discomfort surrounding Stargirl's presence. The students fear being associated with someone who defies the norms, as it could jeopardize their own social standing. This social pressure leads the students to distance themselves from Stargirl, as they believe her presence threatens their own social acceptance. The text substantiates this when it notes, "She was laughing alone in the lunchroom. No one was laughing with her." Conforming to these peer expectations becomes more important to the students than acknowledging and valuing Stargirl's individuality.
Interestingly, Stargirl herself is also influenced by these forces, demonstrating internal conflict. At times, she attempts to conform to the expectations of her peers, such as by joining the cheerleading squad. However, her true nature, which naturally seeks to deviate from societal norms, continually resurfaces. Stargirl's internal struggle mirrors the larger conflict within the students. She navigates the pressure to conform while remaining faithful to her own identity.
In conclusion, the arrival of Stargirl at Mica Area High School unsettles the students due to the overwhelming influence of social norms, conformity, and peer pressure. These forces shape the students' reactions and lead them to question Stargirl's authenticity. However, Stargirl herself struggles against these societal expectations, exhibiting conflict between conformity and remaining true to oneself. Ultimately, "Stargirl" offers a powerful exploration of the tensions between individuality and societal expectations.
The arrival of Stargirl makes the students of Mica Area High School so uncomfortable, they wonder if she is even a real person. Why is this? Write a 250-word essay exploring how social norms, such as conformity and peer pressure, influence the students and their reactions to Stargirl. Is Stargirl influenced by these forces too? Be sure to use evidence from the excerpt to support your analysis.
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