The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze two works: "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" by Bret Harte and
"To Brooklyn Bridge" by Hart Crane. Specifically, it discusses what reasons the two main characters have for
conforming (or not conforming) to the norm in these two works. The characters in these works
symbolize America, both the best and the worst. They also symbolize how society expects much from its citizens and how some people, no matter how hard they try, simply cannot conform to the norm and fit in to a society that will only accept them on its own, quite demanding terms.