In Blankets, Craig is constantly questioning his direction in life, whether he should pursue art or the ministry, and his mentors reinforce the latter regardless of his desires. He struggles with independence from Raina, his parents, his peers, etc.
"So what's with the way you kids dress? is it the GRUNGE thing?" said by Dave pg. 265.
This passage is important with my topic because it shows Craig's individualistic style of clothing is just another genre to someone else. Even when he dresses in his own unique way, he is following suit with another crowd. It's almost like complete independence is impossible.
In the story Oranges... Jeanette has unnatural passions according to her religious beliefs. Her feelings are of love though, making them impure by nature, but naturally pure to her. With her relations with Melanie and Katy she still finds a way to continue her church going and participation, while having secret love affairs with women on the side. A conflict of beliefs is all that separated her from her parents.
"Unnatural Passions." said by Pastor Finch pg. 85.
This passage describes all three books in two simple words. It symbolizes Craig's lust towards art, Jeanette's affection for women over men, and Mayella Ewell's attraction to Tom Robinson. Even though all three subjects were as natural as breathing to the characters, societies norm was against them and while some prevailed, some fell into conformity changing their story (Mayella) to condemn someone else for their aspirations.
"No sir, they oughta do away with juries. He wasn't guilty in the first place and they said he was." said by Jem pg. 220.
I chose this passage over one with Jeanette because it's impact on me was evident. Jem is very passionate on truth and justice being served and when Tom is sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit, Jem is outraged. He wishes for the jury system in his entirety to be done away with. He finds people's actions to be selfish and for the good of their image, compared to the right thing to do. Tom didn't rape Mayella, but because she is white and he is black, the white opinion will always win in court. Atticus told Jem this and Jem rebells against the premise completely. He won't accept the close mindedness of the world, and finds it hard to even tolerate it. He has very strong convictions for such a young man and will not falter in them by any force.
All three books share this perspective; society is unchangeable and unimaginative in their understanding. It reflects on conservative close mindedness in the states, racism, bigotry, or any other prejudice that is unjustifiable. Although I don't personally practice homosexuality, and according to most religions I find myself relating to it is sinful, I would never condemn a person for their beliefs. The same as I wouldn't condemn a man to death for a crime, without undeniable evidence that he actually committed it. One should never abandon their beliefs, if they are justifiable, because of outside influence.
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