Defiance

Defiance is a word that often has negative connotations. When people hear about defiance in modern society, they often think of rebellious kids kicking over garbage cans and spray-painting graffiti on the walls of church buildings, or university students protesting government actions. Defiance is often associated with destruction of property, materials, or government policies. However, defiance can produce positive effects, and may be necessary for society. If people did not push the boundaries and go against the accepted norms, everything would always stay the same. Some people choose to defy small actions, such as a punishment given by an angry parent, while others defy larger aspects of society, such as position in life, religion, or the way that a class of people treats others. The theme of defiance is a common thread in several literary works including the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Grapes of Wrath is a novel about the Joads...