Across books · Theme
Rebellion and Conformity
Babbitt's brief flirtation with liberalism and independence—supporting a radical pastor, befriending a strike sympathizer—ultimately gives way to his return to conventionality, underscoring the difficulty of breaking free from societal expectations.
Rebellion and Conformity appears as a literary theme in 3 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.
Babbitt's brief flirtation with liberalism and independence—supporting a radical pastor, befriending a strike sympathizer—ultimately gives way to his return to conventionality, underscoring the difficulty of breaking free from societal expectations.
June's rebellious attitudes toward religion, family authority, and social conventions are tempered by her desire for belonging and love, illustrating the conflict between nonconformity and societal acceptance.
Philip initially rebels against societal expectations of a gentleman, but ultimately conforms by adopting French manners and fashion, highlighting the conflict between individual authenticity and social pressure.
In each book3 titles
babbitt_se
Babbitt's brief flirtation with liberalism and independence—supporting a radical pastor, befriending a strike sympathizer—ultimately gives way to his return to conventionality, underscoring the difficulty of breaking fre
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the_eleventh_virgin_se
June's rebellious attitudes toward religion, family authority, and social conventions are tempered by her desire for belonging and love, illustrating the conflict between nonconformity and societal acceptance.
Open theme guide →
the_transformation_of_philip_jettan_se
Philip initially rebels against societal expectations of a gentleman, but ultimately conforms by adopting French manners and fashion, highlighting the conflict between individual authenticity and social pressure.
Open theme guide →