Societal expectations

Definition

Societal expectations refer to the norms, values, and behaviors that a society considers acceptable and desirable for its members. These expectations influence individuals' actions, choices, and interactions, often dictating what is deemed appropriate based on factors like gender, class, and morality. Understanding societal expectations is crucial in analyzing how they shape character development and thematic elements in major novels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In major novels from this period, characters often face conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, creating tension and driving the plot.
2. Societal expectations can lead to a critique of social norms, highlighting issues such as inequality, injustice, and the limitations placed on individuals.
3. Many authors use their works to challenge or reinforce societal expectations, reflecting their own views on morality, class, and gender roles.
4. Characters' struggles with societal expectations often serve as a lens to examine broader cultural shifts and changes occurring during the late 17th to mid-19th centuries.
5. The portrayal of societal expectations in literature can serve as a mirror to the evolving values and beliefs within the society of the time.

Review Questions

• How do major characters in 17th to 19th-century novels respond to societal expectations, and what does this reveal about their development?
  • In many novels from this period, characters often find themselves at odds with societal expectations, leading to significant personal growth or tragic downfall. For instance, a character may initially conform to societal norms but eventually rebels against them, illustrating an internal conflict that emphasizes their individuality. This journey not only reflects their personal development but also highlights broader themes of freedom versus constraint, showcasing how societal pressures can shape one's identity.
• Discuss how societal expectations are depicted in relation to gender roles in major novels of this era.
  • Societal expectations regarding gender roles are often central themes in literature from the late 17th to mid-19th century. Women characters frequently navigate restrictions placed upon them by society, such as marriage norms and limited career opportunities. Authors may portray these challenges to emphasize the injustice of these constraints and advocate for women's rights and autonomy. The contrast between male and female experiences under these societal pressures provides critical insight into the gender dynamics of the time.
• Evaluate how authors of major novels use societal expectations to critique class structures and moral codes prevalent during their time.
  • Authors often employ societal expectations as a means to critique existing class structures and moral codes within their narratives. Through character interactions and conflicts arising from these societal norms, they reveal the inherent inequalities and hypocrisy present in their societies. This critique serves not only to illuminate the flaws in social order but also encourages readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs regarding class and morality, pushing for a reevaluation of societal standards in light of emerging ideals such as equality and justice.

Related terms

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles and behaviors that society attributes to individuals based on their gender.

Class Structure: The hierarchical organization of individuals in a society based on socio-economic status, which affects access to resources and opportunities.

Moral Code: A set of principles or standards of behavior that guide individuals in determining what is right or wrong within a specific society.