The concept of individualism is on the rise in several Western societies. Several studies have been conducted on individualism, all pointing to the fact that the growing incidence of individualism is a global trend. Arguably, it has been noted that the increase in social and economic development in all aspects demonstrates the extent to which individualistic practices are being embraced in various parts of the world. Furthermore, it is noted that factors such as the increase in divorce rate, along with the increase in the incidence of narcissism, equally demonstrate the rise of individualism. Although the concept of individualism is widely embraced, the idea harms society in many ways. For example, individuals may refrain from cooperating with other members of society, which denies them the benefits that accrue from such interactions. To the extent that people have the right to choose their own approach to life, individualism has a negative impact, as it tends to create confusion and conflict in society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay In his book titled “The Blithedale Romance,” Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the lives of several utopians who set out to reform an American society that they believe has been dissipated. This group includes several competing ambitions, thus making it difficult for them to embrace idealism and be satisfied with the activities in which they are engaged. Instead of working together to change and improve the world, the residents of the Blithedale community begin to engage in selfish paths that end in tragedy. When analyzing the novel, one realizes that Hawthorne is not only using the story to mourn the community, but also to satirize the situation as it was in 19th century America. Mainly, the theme of individualism is shown when community members seem discontented even though residing in a utopia. The novel, which is written based on the experience Hawthorne had at Brook Farm, notes that by the end of his time on the farm he was quite disappointed (Hawthorne 8). One of the reasons why utopianism fails within society is the fact that both the intellectual and the smallholder cannot be combined to work together. Selfishness, exhibited by members of the community, is a sufficient reason to explain why utopianism fails, thus giving rise to individualism. This statement is mainly due to the fact that most people are selfish and only focus on their own interests instead of working together for the greater good of the community. The concept of selfishness emerges further when Coverdale writes: "He, Zenobia and Priscilla, both for their own sake and as connected with him, were separated from the rest of the Community in my imagination, and presented themselves as the indices of a problem which was my business to settle' (Hawthorne 69). This section, Coverdale's main goal is to ensure that he identifies his friends who are not interested in working together but are instead focused on activities that benefit only them. community members end up analyzing, berating and judging each other, provoking each other. As a result, this results in a situation where members of various communities are unable to trust each other individualism within the novel is further emphasized by the fact that both males and females are unable to work together for the good of the community, especially given the concept of gender, both males and females have different interests Andthey end up looking down on each other. In the novel, Coverdale comes across as somewhat neutral and takes a middle ground on gender issues, an aspect that occasionally leads her to be referred to as a female sympathizer (Hawthorne 58). As the novel develops, the way women are perceived regarding their sexuality further shows a society that is far from embracing each other's principles. This statement is based on the concept that women should comply with policies outlined by males without objection, otherwise their actions may be perceived as disrespectful. Hawthorne further brings out the concept of individualism within society by illustrating how both the countryside and the cities are perceived throughout the novel. Since the novel is set in a time when agriculture was being replaced by the industrial revolution, cities are perceived as dangerous, unhealthy, dirty, and unfulfilling. One of the reasons for poor social structures in cities is individuals who are determined to satisfy their specific needs instead of working towards finding a solution to the problems faced by the community. The negative way in which the campaign is perceived further illustrates the extent of individualism in society. The countryside is defined as regions filled with betrayals and frustrations that, if not identified and resolved from an early age, tend to result in murders and suicides. From the above discussion, it should be noted that individualism is demonstrated to the extent that most of the characters in the novel are selfish. Their selfishness does not help them complete the challenges they face, but instead results in their downfall. The main lesson that can be drawn from the novel is the fact that it is necessary for individuals to refrain from engaging in the utopias and individualism that has been widely embraced. Instead, individuals should ensure that they do their best to work with each of their colleagues to advance their communities. Moving directly from "The Blithedale Romance" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Silas Marner by George Eliot tells the story of an individual who used to live a solitary life but is redeemed by the joys that fatherhood brings him. After being falsely accused of being involved in the theft that led to his exile from the community, Silas Marner decides to live alone in Raveloe (Eliot 11). He is so isolated from society to the point that he only leaves his residence when the errand involves caring for the precious treasure or work. However, the money he holds so dear is stolen. At the same time, an orphan child turns to him. The arrival of the little girl offers Silas the opportunity to transform his life. As you continue reading the novel, it becomes clear that Silas' fate, together with that of Eppie, the little girl who entered his house, is somehow intertwined with that of Godfrey Cass. Cass is the son of the village squire, who, just like Silas, finds himself trapped in the events of his past (Eliot 47). At the same time, it should be noted that in the development of the novel, George Elliot uses several stylistic devices aimed at criticizing the social community within which the novel is set. Likewise, Elliot aims to illustrate how individualism can affect communities in cases where essential steps are not put in place to get the best out of people. Individualism in the novel emerges due to the frequent friction between Silas Marner and the community within which he finds himself. resides. Insofar as the main point of the story is to illustrate the challenges that Silas Marner faced during his community engagements, to a certain extentsense highlights how communities typically treat individuals who do not conform to the ideologies they present (Eliot 84). In the early 19th century, the community within which individuals often resided served as an essential source of emotional support and resources for individuals to use in fulfilling their assigned tasks. Connection within community members runs through the novel. Aspects such as the charitable allowance given to community members by their local parish symbolize the concept of connection. The fact that these donations are aimed primarily at the less fortunate in the community is an indication that, indeed, the community has the interests of its members at heart. Another element of interconnection that emerges within the novel emerges following the robbery that occurred at Silas' home, where his money was stolen (Eliot 89). Several community members pass by his house to offer him the support he deserves. Individualism emerges however when Silas is rejected by his community due to his loss of faith. At the time Silas is introduced to the audience, he is approximately thirty-nine years old. He has resided for about fifteen years in the English country village of Raveloe. One of the main reasons why Silas appears reclusive is the fact that most of his neighbors who reside in Raveloe perceive him with suspicion and tend to look at him with considerable curiosity (Eliot 97). This perception explains Silas's decision to spend most of his time working at the loom instead of attempting to get to know the other members of his society. Throughout the story, it does not escape the public's attention that another potential reason why members of the community ignored Silas is that his physical appearance seemed strange. This statement is based on the fact that, due to the work done in the room, it appears slightly bent. At the same time, it should be noted that Silas has eyes that can be perceived as scary and strange, an aspect that contributes to members of the nearby village attesting to the fact that he may be old. Even though he is the main character in the novel, Silas is the one who suffers the action of the nearby community members. Despite the discrimination and challenges he faces, he never says anything negative to other members of the community. The concept of individualism is further reinforced by how Silas is framed as the thief who stole from his community. Instead of complaining that he is innocent, Silas doesn't argue. Instead, he believes that the God he worships will free him by clearing his name. The individualism is further accentuated when Dunsey plots and steals the gold from Silas. In this case, Dunsey was primarily focused on improving his own social status instead of taking Silas' needs into consideration. The concept of individualism is further reaffirmed by Godfrey, whose actions demonstrate that he does not care about any other individual except himself. For example, Godfrey decides to enter into another marriage even though he already has a wife. By entering into another long-term relationship and keeping it a secret for fear of being disowned, Godfrey shows that he only cares about himself and no one else. It doesn't end well for him though, as his brother Dunsey finds out and uses it as a mechanism to exploit him. At the same time, Molly's death due to frostbite while on her way to Raveloe to reveal their secret is another indication that it does not always end well for individuals who often have individualistic tendencies. Godfrey's unwillingness to take responsibility for his daughter Eppie for her selfishness further results in a situation where she becomes close to Silas to the point where she is unwilling to.