# How does My Brilliant Career develop the theme of Individual vs. Society?

> My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin

## Answer

My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin develops Individual vs. Society across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Sybylla's intense individuality, artistic temperament, and unconventional views set her apart from her family and community, making her a 'lonely being' who struggles to find her place in a conformist world.

The poet is described as 'companionless—alone! fearfully alone in the midst of his fellows,' illustrating the isolation of the individual who differs from the common mass.

Sybylla refuses to show deference based on social rank, treating a prince no differently than a shearer.

Sybylla feels alienated from her family and society's expectations, struggling to find her place.

## Evidence

- [special-notice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/special-notice.md): The poet is described as 'companionless—alone! fearfully alone in the midst of his fellows,' illustrating the isolation of the individual who differs from the common mass.
- [i-i-remember-i-remember](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/i-i-remember-i-remember.md): Sybylla refuses to show deference based on social rank, treating a prince no differently than a shearer.
- [vi-revolt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/vi-revolt.md): Sybylla feels alienated from her family and society's expectations, struggling to find her place.
- [ix-aunt-helen-s-recipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/ix-aunt-helen-s-recipe.md): Sybylla feels misunderstood and isolated, while Aunt Helen speaks of the universal burden of being misunderstood, highlighting the individual's struggle against societal norms.
- [x-everard-grey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/x-everard-grey.md): Sybylla's theatrical talents and unconventional behavior are praised by Everard but constrained by family expectations and bush life.
- [xii-one-grand-passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/xii-one-grand-passion.md): Sybylla's refusal to conform to societal expectations of marriage and her assertion of personal autonomy.
- [xiv-principally-letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/xiv-principally-letters.md): Sybylla's solitary reflections on social issues and her torn letter to Everard show her struggle between personal expression and societal expectations.
- [xx-same-yarn-continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/my_brilliant_career_se/chapters/xx-same-yarn-continued.md): Sybylla's impulsive, unwomanly act isolates her from social norms and places her in conflict with expected feminine behavior.

## Links

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