Outsiders and Outcasts

Thesis Although it shouldn’t be, being different, or what is perceived as different, is a weakness in our society. Social outcasts and outsiders are often mistreated or ignored by their peers only because they do not adhere to societal norms. There are examples of these people in literature, film and television, and photography.

Textbook #1 - “The Doll’s House” In the short story “The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield, the rules of society are illustrated in the mistreatment of the Kelvey children by not just their peers, but the adults at school. The Kelveys are outcasts because they are in a lower social class. The difference in income causes a line to be drawn and “It was drawn at the Kelveys.” Many of the children, including the Burrells, were not allowed to even speak to them.

Pretty in Pink This same social isolation is shown in the movie Pretty in Pink when Andie confronts Blaine about why he didn’t call her.

Textbook #2 – Sonnet, With Bird In the poem Sonnet, With Bird, the author feels different because he is Native American and worries that he is the only one in London. His isolation “made me lonely. 7. Lonely enough to cry in my hotel bed one night.” He finds he is not alone as a Native American in England, but also about his feelings, when he meets his friend who says “‘I thought I was the only Indian in England,”’ which shows perceived differences are universal.

“Cool Kids” by Echosmith In the song “Cool Kids” the speaker wants to “fit in” just like the character in “Sonnet, With Bird.” He realizes he is an outsider. I wish that I could be like the cool kids 'Cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in I wish that I could be like the cool kids Like the cool kids

Literature #3 - The Sneetches This theme of outcasts can be found in all genres of literature for all levels of readers. In The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss, there is a clear social divide and the characters go to great lengths to fit in by changing their appearance. Although being different shouldn’t matter, it is quite clear that it does. These fictional characters reflect what happens in the real world.

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss Now, the Star-Bell Sneetches had bellies with stars.  The Plain-Belly Sneetches had none upon thars. Those stars weren’t so big. They were really so small.  You might think such a thing wouldn’t matter at all. But, because they had stars, all the Star-Belly Sneetches Would brag, “We’re the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches.” With their snoots in the air, they would sniff and they’d snort “We’ll have nothing to do with the Plain-Belly sort!” And, whenever they met some, when they were out walking, They’d hike right on past them without even talking.