INDIVIDUALITY VERSUS CONFORMITY
INTRODUCTION :

At the time of the story, many people of the "older generation" were troubled by the social confusion seen in the 60's and the development of individuality and freedom amongst the "younger generation”.

The story shows the contrast between individuality and conformity. Through this book we can see Harold’s evolution. Firstly he is a conformist because of his education, and he learns to become free and an individual. He learns to live for himself and not for the others. The individuality is represented by Maude, she doesn’t accept the rules of the society. She does whatever she wants and she loves life. She sets about changing Harold, teaching him the joys of life. All the other characters are conformist and very conventional. Mrs. Chasen, the psychiatrist, Uncle Victor, and the priest fail to persuade Harold to adopt a conventional lifestyle that they would feel comfortable with and which they would pretend to enjoy.

CONFORMITY:

Most of the characters are conventional. For example Harold’s mother represents the conformity: she is part of the high society, she believes in values like marriage, Church, patriotism. She worries about appearances to be well accepted in the “good” society and therefore she wants her son to be married and to have a good job.
Mrs. Chasen's questionnaire responses illustrate her conventional convictions:

MRS. CHASEN (p.17-19)

"Three - should sex education be taught outside the home?"

I would say No, wouldn't you, Harold?

[...] Is the subject of sex being over-exploited by our mass media?

That would have to be "Yes," wouldn't it. [...]

"Seventeen - Do you believe churches have a strong influence to upgrade the general morality?"

- yes, again. [...]

"Nineteen - Can God influence our lives?"

Yes. Absolutely yes. [...]

"Do you think the sexual revolution has gone too far?"

It certainly