# Conformity vs. Individuality in Cornelli

> Theme guide for Cornelli by Johanna Spyri.

Cornelli's wild, free-spirited nature clashes with the strict social expectations of proper behavior and appearance imposed by the cousins, raising questions about whether a child should be 'civilized' or allowed to remain authentic.

## Where it surfaces

- [II: Up in the Top Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cornelli_se/chapters/ii-up-in-the-top-story): The children's desires to pursue music and painting are opposed by the guardian's insistence on conforming to economic realities.
- [III: New Appearances in Iller-Stream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cornelli_se/chapters/iii-new-appearances-in-iller-stream): Cornelli's free, wild nature clashes with the cousins' expectations of proper ladylike conduct.
- [IV: The Unwished-for Happens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cornelli_se/chapters/iv-the-unwished-for-happens): Cornelli's rebellious behavior, such as wearing a winter dress in heat and throwing it out the window, clashes with the adults' expectations of proper conduct.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cornelli_se/themes/conformity_vs_individuality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cornelli_se/themes