This assignment examines the recurring theme of conflict between idealized realities and societal pressures in English literature. Through analyses of Franz Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis,' James Joyce's 'The Dead,' and Henrik Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler,' the essay explores how characters struggle to reconcile their aspirations with the harsh realities of their worlds. Kafka's protagonist, Samsa, transforms into a vermin, symbolizing alienation in a capitalist society. Joyce's Gabriel confronts disillusionment when his wife reveals her past love, highlighting the fragility of idealized relationships. Ibsen's Hedda rebels against societal expectations, ultimately choosing death as an act of liberation. The analysis reveals the universality of this conflict across diverse literary contexts.