stargirl conformity essay

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Stargirl Reflection: Navigating Individuality and Conformity

• Categories: Conformity

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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Table of contents

Introduction, body paragraph.

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Themes and Analysis

By jerry spinelli.

‘Stargirl’ by Jerry Spinelli is one of the author’s best-known and most popular novels. It engages with a number of themes that are highly relevant to students and young people around the world.  

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

The book explores the consequences and challenges of being true to oneself in a society that values conformity. Stargirl is an incredibly intriguing character . She’s someone who, at first, ignores the pressure to fit in with her peers but later feels as though she has no choice but to conform to what the other high school students expect of her. 

Themes 

Individuality .

One of the most important themes in the novel is that of individuality. Readers often find themselves asked to consider how important individuality is in everyday life and how it’s often difficult to maintain one’s unique features when faced with peer pressure. 

In the book, Stargirl’s unconventional ways make her a subject of fascination, but eventually, the pressure for her to conform becomes too much. This theme reflects the age-old dilemma of whether to prioritize personal uniqueness over societal acceptance. This is a question especially pertinent for adolescents navigating peer pressure.

Kindness 

Kindness is another noteworthy theme in this novel. Throughout, Stargirl brings a wave of compassion and genuine kindness to the high school. She celebrates people’s birthdays, cheers for both teams during sports events, and simply pays attention to others in a way that’s almost revolutionary. Some respond with discomfort and skepticism, while others are touched and transformed.

Popularity 

This is a theme that features throughout the book. Leo, the story’s narrator, grapples with his feelings for Stargirl, which are significantly influenced by her changing social standing. At some points, she’s popular, and at others, she finds herself a social outcast. The story criticizes the society that makes this possible, highlighting the emotional cost of valuing social standing over connections. 

Key Moments 

• Leo Borlock starts at Mica Area High School. 
• He learns about Stargirl Caraway. 
• Stargirl plays ukulele at lunch. 
• People like her personality and her performances at football games. 
• Leo and Archie speak to a professor who knew Stargirl’s mother. 
• Her popularity has begun to dwindle as students become suspicious of her and how much she knows about everyone. 
• She’s interrogated on the school’s TV show.
• Stargirl shares her feelings for Leo via a note. 
• Everyone treats Stargirl coldly for cheering for both teams at a football game. 
• Leo struggles with wanting to spend time with her but also not wanting to be treated as an outcast as she is.
• She starts trying to fit in at school by giving up her eccentric personality. 
• She goes by the name Susan. 
• She attends a ball at the school and gets all the students to bunny hop dance outside. 
• No one sees her after that night and Leo finds out that she moved. 
• Leo goes to college and becomes a set designer, moving to the east coast. 
• He never finds out where she went, but he does receive a birthday gift from her one year. 

Tone and Style 

Throughout this book, Spinelli employs a highly relatable writing style . He uses a first-person narrator (Leo Borlock) to describe the events of the book. This choice allows readers to closely engage with Leo’s thoughts and feelings, making his dilemmas and emotional shifts palpable. There are moments though, in which the language becomes quite poetic. He’s also able to use dialogue effectively to reveal character traits and advance the plot without making it feel forced or artificial.

The tone shifts significantly throughout the book. At times, it’s lighthearted and whimsical, while at others, it’s more introspective and troubled. The narrator often finds himself grappling with the heavier themes of conformity, identity, and the complexities of young love.

Symbols 

The sunflower bag .

The sunflower in ‘ Stargirl ’ symbolizes Stargirl’s distinct approach to life and her ability to spread positivity. Unlike other flowers that might be more commonly given as gifts, the sunflower is bold, towering, and different—much like Stargirl herself. 

The flower is also an embodiment of kindness and generosity, as Stargirl frequently gives them to people to brighten their day.

The Ukulele

Stargirl’s ukulele serves as a symbol of her individuality and her willingness to bring joy to others, regardless of societal norms. The ukulele is not a typical instrument one would expect in a high school setting, and in this way, it mirrors Stargirl’s unique presence. Playing the ukulele is her way of celebrating life’s small moments and connecting with others.

The Porcupine Necktie

The porcupine necktie that Leo owns and later receives another of from Stargirl represents the idea of connection and shared interests. At first, it’s merely a quirky item that Leo’s uncle gave him, symbolizing the individual tastes that everyone has but might not display openly. It suggests that Leo is not quite like everyone else, either. 

How does the book handle the theme of popularity?

The book critically examines the fragile and fickle nature of popularity, especially in high school settings. It portrays the emotional cost of valuing social standing over genuine connections.

Who is the narrator of the story?

The story is narrated by Leo Borlock, a student at Mica High who falls in love with Stargirl. His perspective is significant because it provides insight into the societal pressures to conform and the internal struggles he faces as he grapples with his feelings for Stargirl.

What is the main theme of ‘Stargirl ?’

The main theme of the book is the tension between individuality and conformity. The novel explores the challenges and consequences of being true to oneself in a society that often values conformity over authenticity.

What is the central theme of the book?

A central theme is individuality versus conformity. The book delves into the tension between the desire to be true to oneself and the societal pressure to fit in, particularly in the microcosm of high school.

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About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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Stargirl Themes

By jerry spinelli.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by Timothy Sexton

A Celebration of Non-Conformity

Above all else, Stargirl is an absolute celebration of the joy and even the necessity of non-conformity. Stargirl is unapologetically comfortable in rejecting all attempts to impose conformity upon her. In fact, one might even suggest that Stargirl tips the scales from being merely a non-conformist to being an outright iconoclast. The very fact that nothing and no one and no circumstantial situation is enough to convince Stargirl to accept the impositions upon her cultivated outsider status the shackles of societal conventions is enough to situate her as something more than a mere case of weirdly non-conforming character. She is steadfast in her conviction that one should remain true to themselves even—maybe even especially—at the cost of losing the friendship or respect of others. Even in the case of suspicion that her iconoclasm is subject to consideration as an act is not enough to get her to behave in any other manner. Truly and without a doubt, Spinelli has created the character of Stargirl to celebrate everyone who ever stood up and faced down the pressures to conform for absolutely no good reason.

A Rejection of Groupthink

The opposition to Stargirls non-conforming iconoclasm is not merely societal convention. Spinelli is not rejecting individual thought that conforms to societal norms. Such conformity is every bit as necessity as non-conformity. What draws the ire of the author to the point that he was driven to address the issue in Stargirl is the pernicious and pervasive influence of groupthink. Individual reaction to Stargirl’s more outrageous rejections of convention is inhabited by various characters who undergo various evolutions in their reactions, but eventually all give in to the groupthink which ostracizes Stargirl not for any particularities, but for the generality of her non-conformity. Eventually, the worst aspect of groupthink will eventually be manifested by Leo in the most tragic way.

The Tragic Consequences of Groupthink

It is not by sheer chance that Leo is narrating the story told in Stargirl from the perspective of aging with time. The passage of time has cleared the way for Leo to think for himself and no longer be subject to the pressures of conforming to the monolithic perspective engendered by societal conventions he does not have the intellectual or emotional fortitude to press back against. With age comes wisdom and the tragic irony of Leo gaining such wisdom is the realization of what the absence of that wisdom has cost him.

The Implications of Groupthink

Why do the students react as a group in such a startlingly menacing way against Stargirl when her only crime is not acting like them? The thematic fever pitch of the novel during the Hot Seat segment in which the student inadvertently reveal that their mistrust of Stargirl’s non-conformity is situated—deeply—within their own feelings of inadequacy about themselves. The students begin by directly addressing Stargirl about her unconventional behavior but the discussion quickly turns into an assault in against her choosing to be different because, obviously, she must see something wrong with choosing to be the same as them. This is the central thematic foundation of the us-versus-them dichotomy of groupthink’s natural revulsion toward a rejection of their standards. For any group behavior to survive and thrive, it absolutely must look upon itself—if only implicitly—as the standard by which all behavior should be judged. Therefore, any rejection of that standard must by definition—according to the group—be based at least in part on a reaction toward their standards. Rather than viewing Stargirl’s unconventional behavior as an insight in her soul, the student instead view it as her insight into their soul; an insight which is clearly critical. And we all know how well people of all ages respond to criticism of their ways.

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Stargirl Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Stargirl is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

what are 3 examples of similies and metaphors in this book

Metaphor about Stargirl

"She was bendable light: she shone around every corner of my day" (Spinelli 107).

In Chapter 20, the narrator of the novel, Leo, compares Stargirl to the bright part of his day. He seems to compare his day to a sort of...

Archie is a mentor and friend to Leo and other kids in the neighborhoods

I'm not sure what you are asking here.

Stargirl knew who to leave cards and gifts for because?

Stargirl paid attention..... she took the time to watch and observe, and thus, she knew what people needed and tried to provide them with it. She took the time so that people would know there was someone who cared.

Study Guide for Stargirl

Stargirl study guide contains a biography of Jerry Spinelli, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Stargirl
• Stargirl Summary
• Character List

Wikipedia Entries for Stargirl

• Introduction

Stargirl Introduction

Hey, you! Yeah, you.

You, reading this right now.

Have you seen the new girl yet?

You haven't? Seriously?

Well, come on! You have to check her out. She is wearing the strangest outfit, and she's playing a ukulele and singing "Happy Birthday" to Alan Ferko in the cafeteria as we speak. And no! She doesn't even know Alan! Oh, and did I mention that she has a pet rat with her?

Come on, let's go!

Readers, Shmoop has a question: what would you be thinking and doing at this point? Are you running up the stairs to the cafeteria? Do you hope to meet someone interesting and new who you will welcome with open arms, or are you secretly hoping to witness a train wreck of humiliation? Maybe it's a little bit of both?

You arrive in the cafeteria and there she is. Her name is Stargirl, and she is unlike anyone you have ever met. Do you go and introduce yourself, or do you smirk and give her the side eye while everyone around you calls her a freak? What do you do?

That question, readers, is what Stargirl is all about. Chances are you may have already read something written by Jerry Spinelli . He is the author of several wonderful books for young readers, including Maniac McGee , which won the Newbery Medal , which is a Pretty Big Deal.

Stargirl is just as good. See, it's about a fantastically unique individual named – you guessed it – Stargirl. At least, that is her name for the time being. She believes that names are kind of like sweaters. When they fit nicely, you wear them, but eventually you outgrow them or they get worn, so you get a new one. She is the new girl at Mica High, and boy, does she stir things up faster than the speed of starlight. She's quirky, sure, but she's also super smart. Stargirl has all sorts of interesting ideas about life and the world around us. Care to give her a chance?

In Stargirl , you will read about her meteoric rise to popularity, and all its consequences. You will experience all of this through the eyes of Leo, our narrator and her eventual boyfriend. It's a bumpy ride for Stargirl and Leo. Will it be a happy ending? Well, that depends.

Only one thing is certain. It will be a happy ending for you if you take the time to listen to our girl Stargirl. She's got some serious wisdom to impart.

What is Stargirl About and Why Should I Care?

One of the toughest parts about growing up is figuring out how to balance being a confident, unique individual with being someone who is also a valuable member of society, and that is exactly what with book deals with.

If you have ever felt society's pressure to conform, you will appreciate Jerry Spinelli 's Stargirl , and if you are one of those rare people who is able to express herself without fear of what others will say, you will find a kindred spirit in Stargirl herself. In fact, you have a lot to gain by reading her story:

• You just might remember the importance of being yourself and expressing yourself with confidence.
• You just might renew your belief that there are truly good people in the world. Who knows? Maybe it will even inspire you to be the kindest, best version of yourself possible.
• You just might see the world in a whole new light. Stargirl sure does. And she doesn't care who knows it.

So, Shmoopers, find your quirkiest self, you know, the one you keep hidden until you're around those who love you just for who you are, and let it loose for all the world to see.

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