Social class

Definition

Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between groups of people in society based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and social status. It plays a crucial role in shaping characters, themes, and conflicts in literature, often highlighting the disparities and dynamics of power within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Restoration comedy, social class is often portrayed through characters who navigate romantic and societal entanglements, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time.
2. The emergence of the English novel provided a new platform for exploring social class, as authors depicted characters from various backgrounds and examined their struggles and aspirations.
3. Richardson's epistolary novels often highlight social class through the correspondence between characters, revealing their perspectives on social norms and personal values influenced by their class positions.
4. Major novels from the period frequently explore themes of class conflict, identity, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals as they interact with different social strata.
5. Victorian values were deeply intertwined with social class distinctions, influencing societal expectations, family dynamics, and gender roles throughout the era.

Review Questions

• How does social class influence character development in Restoration comedy?
  • In Restoration comedy, social class plays a pivotal role in character development by shaping motivations, conflicts, and interactions among characters. For instance, characters from higher social standings often exhibit traits of arrogance or entitlement, while those from lower classes may display wit or resourcefulness as they navigate a world dominated by wealth and privilege. This dynamic allows playwrights to critique societal norms and highlight the absurdities of rigid class structures.
• Discuss the impact of social class on narrative themes in major novels from the late-17th to mid-19th century.
  • Social class significantly impacts narrative themes in major novels from this period by driving plots centered around social mobility, moral choices, and personal identity. Authors use characters’ struggles against class constraints to comment on issues such as inequality, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness. The interplay between different classes often leads to critical reflections on society’s values and the human experience, making class an essential element in understanding these narratives.
• Evaluate how the Brontë sisters utilized themes of social class in their works to challenge Victorian values.
  • The Brontë sisters challenged Victorian values by incorporating themes of social class into their narratives, presenting strong female protagonists who grapple with societal expectations tied to their class status. In novels like 'Jane Eyre,' Charlotte Brontë illustrates the limitations placed on women from lower classes while also addressing issues of morality and self-worth that transcend social boundaries. Similarly, Emily Brontë’s 'Wuthering Heights' explores how social class influences relationships and personal vendettas, ultimately critiquing the rigid structures of Victorian society. Their works prompt readers to reconsider the implications of social hierarchy on individual freedom and identity.

Related terms

Aristocracy: A social class that consists of the highest-ranking members of society, often holding titles and land, and typically possessing significant wealth and influence.

Proletariat: The working class, especially those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Class consciousness: An awareness of one's social class and the accompanying interests and conflicts associated with it, often leading to collective action or identity.