The rise of the middle class

Definition

The rise of the middle class refers to the significant growth and emergence of a social group between the upper and lower classes during the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century. This shift was fueled by economic changes, increased commerce, and a shift in social values that emphasized individual merit over aristocratic birthright. As the middle class gained wealth and influence, their tastes and values increasingly shaped literature and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of the middle class was marked by increased literacy rates and education levels, allowing more people to engage with literature and culture.
2. As the middle class expanded, they began to patronize the arts and literature, leading to a flourishing of new genres and themes that reflected their values.
3. The emergence of periodicals and newspapers during this time catered to a growing audience of middle-class readers, further promoting literacy and civic engagement.
4. Middle-class values began to challenge traditional aristocratic norms, emphasizing morality, propriety, and a sense of responsibility in social behavior.
5. This social shift contributed to the popularity of satire as a literary form, allowing writers to critique both the upper classes and emerging bourgeois values.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of the middle class influence the themes and styles found in satirical poetry during this period?
  • The rise of the middle class brought new perspectives into satirical poetry, as poets like Alexander Pope began to address issues relevant to this growing demographic. Themes such as social norms, consumerism, and moral values became prominent in works like 'The Rape of the Lock' and 'The Dunciad.' The satire often critiqued both the excesses of the aristocracy and the emerging bourgeois values, reflecting a changing society where middle-class tastes were gaining importance.
• In what ways did John Dryden's and Alexander Pope's works reflect the shifting societal values related to the middle class?
  • Both John Dryden and Alexander Pope wrote during a time when the middle class was gaining influence, which is evident in their literary criticism and satirical works. Their writings often embraced reasoned argumentation and wit, appealing to an educated audience that valued rational discourse. The focus on moral standards and ethical behavior in their critiques reflects how rising middle-class values began to shape literary production, pushing against established aristocratic ideals.
• Evaluate how the evolution from Restoration Comedy to Sentimental Comedy mirrored the rise of the middle class in society.
  • The evolution from Restoration Comedy to Sentimental Comedy illustrates how the rise of the middle class reshaped theatrical narratives. While Restoration Comedy often showcased aristocratic follies with a focus on sexual escapades and wit, Sentimental Comedy introduced themes of virtue, morality, and emotional depth that resonated with middle-class audiences. This shift indicated a broader cultural transition where personal integrity and emotional connections became more valued than mere social status, reflecting the growing power of middle-class ideals in shaping societal norms.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasizes government regulation of a nation's economy for augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers.

Consumerism: The cultural phenomenon where increasing consumption of goods and services becomes central to an individual's identity and societal status.

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social hierarchy, often influenced by education and economic opportunities.