Bourgeois values

Definition

Bourgeois values refer to the social, economic, and cultural ideals associated with the middle class, particularly during the 19th century. These values emphasize individualism, material success, respectability, and a strong work ethic, often in contrast to aristocratic or working-class perspectives. In modernist drama, these values are frequently critiqued or subverted as playwrights explore themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the complexities of social class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bourgeois values became prominent during the Industrial Revolution, as the rise of the middle class shifted social dynamics and influenced cultural norms.
2. In modernist drama, playwrights like Anton Chekhov and Eugene O'Neill examined the emptiness and contradictions of bourgeois life, often portraying characters grappling with their social status.
3. The emphasis on material success within bourgeois values led to critiques of consumerism and superficiality in art and literature during the modernist period.
4. Bourgeois values are often juxtaposed with themes of existentialism in modernist works, questioning the meaning of life and individual purpose amid societal expectations.
5. Modernist drama often reflects a sense of disillusionment with bourgeois values, showing how these ideals can lead to personal isolation and societal conflict.

Review Questions

• How did bourgeois values influence character development in modernist drama?
  • Bourgeois values significantly shaped character development in modernist drama by creating complex individuals who often grappled with societal expectations. Characters were frequently portrayed as striving for material success and respectability, yet faced disillusionment and existential crises. This tension allowed playwrights to explore the inner conflicts that arose from adhering to these values while revealing the emptiness that sometimes accompanied them.
• What role does alienation play in the critique of bourgeois values within modernist drama?
  • Alienation serves as a powerful lens through which modernist drama critiques bourgeois values. Characters often experience feelings of isolation despite their material success and adherence to societal norms. This disconnect highlights the hollowness of pursuing bourgeois ideals, prompting audiences to question whether wealth and respectability truly lead to fulfillment or simply contribute to a deeper sense of loneliness.
• Evaluate how modernist playwrights used class struggle to challenge bourgeois values and what implications this had for their works.
  • Modernist playwrights used class struggle as a means to challenge bourgeois values by depicting conflicts between social classes that expose the limitations and contradictions of middle-class ideals. By focusing on characters from diverse backgrounds, these playwrights illustrated how class dynamics affect individual experiences and societal perceptions. This approach not only critiqued bourgeois materialism but also opened up discussions about social justice and human dignity, reflecting a broader desire for change during a time of great upheaval.

Related terms

Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private ownership of production and the creation of goods or services for profit, often linked to the rise of bourgeois values.

Class struggle: The conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie (middle class) and the proletariat (working class), which is a central theme in many modernist works.

Alienation:

A feeling of estrangement or disconnection from one's environment, society, or self, often explored in modernist drama as a critique of bourgeois values.