Introduction
Oscar Wilde, an eminent Irish playwright, was known to have stated in the past that disobedience is a beneficial human quality that contributes to social advancement. Insubordination, in his view, is valuable because it encourages people to challenge the customs and regulations that exert pressure on them and enables them to think differently and autonomously (Wilde 5). This essay argues that Wilde was correct in his assertion that noncompliance can lead to constructive social transformations, though to a substantial degree. The paper will explain how rebellion has been essential for community advancement using instances from the books “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell and “Anthem” by Ayn Rand. On the other hand, the essay will also provide a rebuttal emphasizing the potential dangers and unfavorable outcomes resulting from noncompliance.
Discussion
The activities of those who have disobeyed societal norms and traditions to bring about transformation lend credence to Wilde’s contention that defiance can serve as a driving force for the advancement of society. For instance, in Susan Glaspell’s play “Trifles,” the female characters break the law and defy cultural norms to defend Minnie Foster, who was responsible for the husband’s assassination (Glaspell 14). The women’s transgression leads to the discovery of proof that clears Minnie of all charges and reveals the misogyny and unfairness inside the judicial system.
Equality 7-2521, the character of Ayn Rand’s novel “Anthem,” acts in a manner analogous to that described above in pursuit of enlightenment and autonomy (Rand 30). He does this by disobeying the laws and customs of his dystopian society. His disobedience ultimately results in the invention of electricity, a phenomenon that can revolutionize civilization and usher in development. These instances demonstrate how noncompliance can confront authoritarian conventions and lead to societal change. Through rebellion, individuals are encouraged to challenge the current quo and seek solutions that could lead to advancement.
Insubordination has the potential to be a catalyst for beneficial change; nevertheless, it also has the potential to be harmful and have adverse effects. Rebellion can result in anarchy, violence, and devastation if moral and ethical guidelines do not govern it. For example, in the narrative of the play “Trifles,” the women’s rebellion could have led to an injustice being committed if they had not decided to act morally and had only glanced for substantiation that backed their preconceptions (Glaspell 15). This would have been the case if they had only searched for corroboration that aided their beliefs.
Similarly, the transgression of Equality in the story “Anthem” may have led to the annihilation of civilization if he had not exhibited responsible behavior and disclosed his understanding to others (Rand 40). Therefore, defiance may bring about unethical societal practices if allowed or tolerated.
Conclusion
Wilde’s argument that disobedience can contribute to advancing social causes is correct to a considerable extent. Rebellion may be a powerful tool for challenging repressive laws and customs while fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving necessary for forward movement. Nonetheless, noncompliance must be done in accordance with ethical and moral norms to avoid unfavorable effects. Both “Trifles” and “Anthem” provide illustrations that show how defiance has played a significant role in the progression of society in a positive direction. As a result, disobedience should be appreciated as a tool for questioning and confronting the existing paradigm, but concerns of duty and ethics should also moderate it.
Works Cited
Glaspell, Susan. Trifles. 1916.
Rand, Ayn. Anthem. New York: Cassell Publishing Co., 1938.
Wilde, Oscar. The Soul of Man under Socialism. Elsinor Verlag, 2021.