Essay 2 paragraphs

In Life, societal pressures exists at all levels and in all time periods throughout the worlds history.  Weather that is the way we evolved, where the only way to survive is to conform to society or if that is how society is run, where fitting in and conforming is the norm.  We see varying degrees of this societal pressure in the 1800's Pride and Prejudice, 1940's History of Love or even in the 21st century with modern society.  In each one of these circumstances, extreme amounts of individuality and conformity occur in which each circumstance leads to positive and negative consequences.  Mrs. Bennet and Charlotte are the extremes of conformity where marriage for wealth and status is the only thing that matters and Elizabeth is the opposite where she wants to marry not for wealth but for happiness, but is isolated.  Bird is an extreme individual as he tries to become a lamed votnik, but is outcasted and Leo is an extreme negative conformer of society as all he does is fear his death. However in each individuality and conformity, the negative consequences can be negated through finding balance between becoming an individual and conforming into society.   Indeed, societal pressure weighs down heavily on some, urging them to succumb to their insecurities and to wilt under adversity; while others defy these societal pressures and ascend these difficulties to shatter their insecurities, while in both cases negative consequences arise which can be negated through finding a balance of individuality and conformity.  Furthermore, finding the balance between individuality and conformity is key to enjoying lifes full spectrum.

 Elizabeth and Bird are both extreme examples of individuals, which create negative and positive consequences that are inevitable because finding a balance does not exist.  In Elizabeth's society, marriage for wealth is the norm and is what the young unmarried women look for, not for true love and happiness.  "Leave me to judge for myself" (Austen 74).  Elizabeth's strength is effectively illustrated through "myself," which was something women in the 1800's didn't have.  Women back then didn't have a voice in society and were effectively controlled by male aspiration. Elizabeth's individuality where she can decide what she wants is a positive aspect of becoming an individual and not conforming to societies standards and norms.  Elizabeth's voice and happiness are herd as she denies Mr. Collins; however, her happiness comes at the expense of her mothers happiness. "Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry" (Austen 77).  Mrs. Bennet is infuriated by Elizabeth's decision to refuse marriage with Mr. Collins, yet this is very ironic as Mrs. Bennet's remorse and anger comes from Elizabeth's joy and happiness.  In this circumstance, where is the middle? Where is the balance?  Elizabeth either refuses or accepts.  If she accepts then she conforms and her mother is extatic, and she is miserable.  Even though ideally everyone should be satisfied, in most circumstances it is impossible to please everyone.  Also, growth as a character in the novel occur with characters who are on extreme ends of the spectrum, either extreme conformist or extreme individual.  Elizabeth's self growth occurs when she realizes that she was wrong when she discerned Wickham.  "Till this moment, I never knew myself" (Austen 141) Elizabeth's epiphany that she viewed Wickham like the innocent one, when the whole time, it was Whickham that spent all the money.  This epiphany allows the reader to see Elizabeth's self growth as a character where she is bold enough and is not afraid to say that she was wrong.  This is due to her individuality which allows her to self evaluate herself.  However this individuality comes at a price, Elizabeth is very isolated from the rest of her peers. "I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men" (Austen 7) Elizabeth's individuality can also lead her to isolation.  She doesn't put her self out there for other guys and is not open to form relationships with a lot of the men in the book.  Her fastidiousness is evident and it is quite uncommon among women, who would fall in love with the next person they would see.  However, this leads to isolation and a lack of recognition by certain men.  However what should Elizabeth do? conform to society and have multiple male counterparts or should she stay an individual and allow herself to grow?  The more she conforms, the less she is able to grow, Charlotte and Whickham.  Where is the balance?  Elizabeth could keep searching for balance, but it will be impossible to achieve.