Social commentary

Definition

Social commentary is a form of expression that critiques society, its norms, and its injustices, often aiming to raise awareness and provoke thought or change. It is often embedded in literature, art, and media, reflecting the author’s perspective on social issues and encouraging readers to engage with these themes. The effectiveness of social commentary can be seen in how it highlights the complexities of human experience and societal dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social commentary often emerges in the context of literary movements, such as realism and naturalism, where authors reflect the socio-economic conditions of their time.
2. Writers like Twain and Wharton utilized social commentary to critique the American social fabric, exploring themes of class, race, and morality in their works.
3. Naturalism, as seen in the works of Crane and Norris, takes social commentary further by suggesting that environment and heredity heavily influence human behavior and societal outcomes.
4. In African American literature, authors like Morrison and Baldwin provide profound social commentary on race relations and identity in America, illuminating personal and collective struggles.
5. European medieval literature also employed social commentary; works like 'The Canterbury Tales' and 'The Divine Comedy' comment on moral values, social classes, and religious beliefs of their time.

Review Questions

• How do Twain and Wharton employ social commentary in their works to reflect on American society?
  • Twain and Wharton use social commentary to dissect various facets of American society, focusing on themes like class disparity and moral hypocrisy. In Twain's 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' he critiques the institution of slavery and societal norms through the lens of an innocent boy's adventures. Wharton's works often highlight the constraints placed on women and the upper classes in New York society, using her characters' experiences to critique the cultural expectations of her time.
• In what ways do Crane and Norris's writings embody the principles of naturalism as a form of social commentary?
  • Crane and Norris's writings exemplify naturalism by portraying characters whose lives are dictated by their environments and social circumstances. Crane's 'The Red Badge of Courage' illustrates how war affects individual psychology while exposing the brutal realities faced by soldiers. Norris’s 'McTeague' critiques capitalism by illustrating how greed can corrupt relationships and lead to tragic outcomes, emphasizing how environment shapes human behavior.
• Evaluate the impact of social commentary in African American literature through the works of Morrison and Baldwin in challenging societal norms.
  • Morrison and Baldwin's works significantly impact social discourse by confronting racial injustices and cultural identity. Morrison’s 'Beloved' explores the haunting legacy of slavery while addressing themes of motherhood and trauma, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past. Baldwin’s essays and novels critique systemic racism and advocate for understanding across racial divides, compelling readers to reassess their perceptions of race relations. Together, their writings challenge societal norms and push for a more profound understanding of identity and justice.

Related terms

satire:

A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal flaws or human vices.

dystopia: An imagined society that is characterized by oppressive societal control, often used in literature to explore social issues and potential consequences of current trends.

allegory: A narrative that operates on two levels: a literal level and a symbolic level, often used to convey broader social or political meanings.