The Moustache by Robert Cormier: Exploring the Themes of Identity, Conformity, and Power
Greetings, Readers!
With this article, we embark on a literary adventure into Robert Cormier’s thought-provoking masterpiece, "The Moustache." Cormier, renowned for his unflinching exploration of adolescent struggles, crafts a chilling tale that delves into the profound complexities of identity, conformity, and power.
The Power of Conformity
One of the central themes in "The Moustache" is the insidious power of conformity. When the protagonist, Jerome, is the only student without a moustache, he becomes an outcast. The moustache, a seemingly innocuous symbol, becomes a passport to acceptance and a badge of belonging.
Jerome’s isolation is a microcosm of the pressures to conform that exist in society. Whether it’s the desire to fit in or the fear of being marginalized, conformity exerts an inexorable pull. Cormier challenges us to question our own motivations for conforming, and to consider the potential dangers it poses to individuality.
The Search for Identity
As Jerome grapples with his newfound status as an outsider, he struggles to reconcile his true self with the expectations of his peers. The moustache represents not only conformity but also a mask that Jerome believes will conceal his vulnerabilities.
However, as the novel progresses, Jerome realizes that the moustache is not a solution but rather a hindrance to his self-discovery. By embracing individuality and rejecting the need to conform, he ultimately finds true acceptance and a sense of belonging.
Power and Manipulation
Throughout "The Moustache," power and manipulation are wielded by various characters. Jerome’s classmates use the moustache as a tool of exclusion, while the school principal, Mr. Avery, manipulates Jerome to his own ends.
The novel explores the corrosive effects of power when it is used for personal gain or to suppress dissent. Cormier deftly portrays the ways in which authority figures can exploit their power to control and manipulate others.
Table: Key Themes in "The Moustache"
| Theme | Example |
|---|---|
| Conformity | Jerome’s classmates ostracize him for not having a moustache |
| Identity | Jerome struggles to reconcile his true self with the expectations of his peers |
| Power | Mr. Avery uses his position as principal to manipulate Jerome |
Conclusion
"The Moustache" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Cormier’s incisive exploration of identity, conformity, and power invites us to reflect on our own experiences and the choices we make.
As you finish this article, I encourage you to delve further into Robert Cormier’s literary universe. Check out his other acclaimed works, such as "The Chocolate War" and "After the First Death," to discover more profound insights into the complexities of human nature.
FAQ about "The Moustache" by Robert Cormier
What is "The Moustache" about?
A young boy named Jeremy "Jerry" Ryan is asked by his mother to ask his father for permission to buy a new stereo. Jerry’s father, who is a high-ranking high school administrator, is a strict disciplinarian, and Jerry is afraid to ask him. When he finally does, his father refuses to buy the stereo, saying they do not have the money. Jerry then notices that his father has a small, black moustache, which makes his father look different.
What does the mustache symbolize?
The moustache symbolizes authority and control. Jerry’s father uses it to assert his dominance over his family, and to hide his true feelings. The moustache also represents the facade that Jerry’s father puts up in order to maintain his position of power.
Why does Jerry try to get rid of his father’s mustache?
Jerry tries to get rid of his father’s mustache because he sees it as a symbol of his father’s power over him. Jerry wants to be his own person, and he believes that getting rid of the mustache will help him to do that.
What happens when Jerry tries to shave off his father’s mustache?
When Jerry tries to shave off his father’s mustache, his father wakes up and catches him. Jerry’s father is furious, and he punishes Jerry severely. This shows that Jerry’s father is not willing to give up his power, and that he will not tolerate any challenges to his authority.
Why does Jerry’s father have a breakdown in the end?
Jerry’s father has a breakdown in the end because he realizes that his own father was just as strict and unfeeling as he is. Jerry’s father had always thought of himself as being different from his own father, but he now sees that he is just as bad. This realization causes him to break down and cry.
What is the message of "The Moustache"?
The message of "The Moustache" is that power can be destructive, and that it is important to stand up to those who abuse their power. Jerry’s father is a powerful man, but he uses his power to hurt his family. Jerry is able to stand up to his father and reclaim his own power, showing that even the most powerful people can be defeated.
How old is Jerry in "The Moustache"?
Jerry is 13 years old in "The Moustache."
What is the name of Jerry’s father?
Jerry’s father’s name is never mentioned in the story.
Where does "The Moustache" take place?
"The Moustache" takes place in a small town in Maine.
What is the significance of the setting in "The Moustache"?
The setting in "The Moustache" is significant because it represents the isolation and powerlessness that Jerry feels. The small town is a place where everyone knows everyone else, and Jerry feels trapped and unable to escape his father’s control.
