# How does Stover at Yale develop the theme of Critique of Tradition and Secrecy?

> Stover at Yale by Owen Johnson

## Answer

Stover at Yale by Owen Johnson develops Critique of Tradition and Secrecy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book critiques Yale's secret societies and rigid traditions, portraying them as a 'colossal mumbo-jumbo' that stifles independent thought and fosters mental subjection rather than genuine education.

Brockhurst openly criticizes senior society secrecy as 'idol-worship' and a 'colossal mumbo-jumbo.'

Brockhurst delivers a detailed critique of Yale's secret societies as modern idol worship, arguing they stifle independent thought and impose mental subjection.

The chapter critiques the secret society system through Stover's evasion of honest self-examination about senior societies and the manipulative politics of Tap Day.

## Evidence

- [xvi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xvi.md): Brockhurst openly criticizes senior society secrecy as 'idol-worship' and a 'colossal mumbo-jumbo.'
- [xxiv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xxiv.md): Brockhurst delivers a detailed critique of Yale's secret societies as modern idol worship, arguing they stifle independent thought and impose mental subjection.
- [xxv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xxv.md): The chapter critiques the secret society system through Stover's evasion of honest self-examination about senior societies and the manipulative politics of Tap Day.
- [xxvi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xxvi.md): The scandal and its impact on Stover's society prospects critique the secretive and judgmental nature of Yale's senior societies.
- [xxvii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xxvii.md): Stover openly criticizes the secrecy and ceremony of Skull and Bones, arguing it is un-American, undemocratic, and stultifying, despite acknowledging its positive aims.

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