The 19th century was a time of significant upheaval, embodied by individuals questioning the institutions of the Victorian era and striving to achieve self-determination. The conflicting relationship between the individual and society becomes apparent through the analysis of the individual's confrontation with the orthodox economic and philosophical paradigms of the Victorian era. Elizabeth Gaskell's novel North and South (1855), Richard Redgrave's painting The Outcast (1851), and Ada Nield Chew's letter A Living Wage for Factory Girls at Crewe (1894) criticize prevailing societal attitudes , emphasizing the importance of the individual's research. autonomy for social progression as well as self-satisfaction. Elizabeth Gaskell reflects the dominant philosophical ideology of patriarchy and gender domination in Victorian society through her novel Bildungsroman North and South (1855). Margaret's characterization symbolizes the confinement of individuals, particularly women, with Gaskell describing "a feeling of indescribable weariness with all the arrangements... oppressed her [Margaret] just now." The sound effect created by the use of dilatory works is demanding in itself, while the use of "indescribable" accentuates the extent to which Margaret feels burdened by social expectations to indulge in the "pretty" of marriage . Gaskell commends Margaret for her search for autonomy by describing her interests in order to subvert the social precepts of conversation: "she was happy when the gentlemen came... because she could listen to something bigger and grander." The assonance of “bigger and taller” alludes to Margaret's exuberance toward male discussions. Gaskell reveals that Margaret gains personal satisfaction by reversing her role in the domestic sphere, commenting ...... middle of paper ...... her letter juxtaposing "degrading and a shame to me" with "keep quiet and submit.” ”, the alliteration of the hard “d” sound in contrast with the “sweat” sound to emphasize the intolerant attitude of society towards the individual. Chew's letter provides insight into the extent of oppression faced by the individual while allowing stakeholders to identify the greater need for individuals to challenge social boundaries and seek a level of autonomy. Thus, by studying North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, The Outcast and Richard Redgrave In Ada Nield Chew's letter, A Living Wage for Factory Girls at Crewe, we observe the incessant effort between the individual achieving self-determination and the oppression of society, and it becomes rather obvious that a balance between the individual and society is a way to achieve lasting harmony..