Table of ContentsIntroductionGender Roles and ExpectationsImpact of Societal ExpectationsSearch for IdentityConclusionIntroductionIn Maile Meloy's short story "Ranch Girl," a young girl growing up in Wyoming faces the challenges and expectations of her rural community. Through the protagonist's journey, the story delves into the complexities of gender roles and identity, highlighting the pressures and constraints placed on individuals to conform to societal norms. This essay will analyze "Ranch Girl" in terms of exploring gender roles, the impact of societal expectations on the characters, and the search for identity in a conservative environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayGender Roles and ExpectationsOne of the central themes of “Ranch Girl” is the representation of traditional gender roles and expectations placed on individuals based on their gender. The protagonist, a young girl working on the family ranch, is constantly reminded of her role as a woman in a male-dominated society. She is expected to perform domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, while her brothers are encouraged to engage in physically demanding work. This stark contrast in expectations reveals the gender biases prevalent in rural communities, where women are often confined to traditional roles. Additionally, the story highlights how gender roles can limit individuals' opportunities and aspirations. The protagonist dreams of becoming a writer and escaping the confines of her rural life, but her desire is met with skepticism and discouragement from those around her. The pressure to conform to societal expectations forces him to suppress his dreams and conform to the predetermined path set for him by his community. Impact of Societal Expectations Throughout "Ranch Girl", the characters' actions and choices are heavily influenced by societal expectations, particularly in relation to gender. The protagonist's mother, for example, embodies the traditional role of a ranch wife, conforming to the expectations placed on her. She discourages her daughter's aspirations, fearing that they will disrupt the established order of their community. This illustrates the cycle of conformity perpetuated by societal expectations, as individuals pass these constraints on to the next generation. The protagonist's interactions with her peers also demonstrate the impact of societal expectations. When she attends college, she finds herself caught between her desire for independence and the pressure to conform to the conservative values ​​of her community. She struggles to reconcile her own desires with the expectations placed on her, highlighting the internal conflict faced by individuals in similar circumstances. This conflict often leads to the suppression of one's true identity in order to fit in and avoid social ostracism.Search for IdentityThe protagonist's journey in "Ranch Girl" is ultimately a search for identity, so that she struggles with the expectations placed on her and the desire to be true to herself. As she faces the challenges of her conservative environment, she gradually begins to question the limited options available to her and the stifling nature of societal norms. This quest for identity is reflected in his desire for education, his curiosity about the outside world, and his desire to break free from the confines of his community. Ultimately, the protagonist's journey highlights the importance of self-discovery and the need to question society. expectations in order to trace its.