Social Class

Definition

Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions between individuals or groups in society based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and social status. This concept is crucial in understanding the dynamics of social interactions, power relations, and cultural norms within various literary works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social class significantly influences character development and plot progression in literature, particularly in the works of authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, who often depict the nuances of class relationships.
2. In the context of the novel of manners, social class is a key factor in shaping social etiquette, personal relationships, and societal expectations.
3. Many characters in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre' grapple with issues of class disparity and seek to transcend their social standing through education and self-assertion.
4. Wilkie Collins' sensation novels often highlight the tensions between different social classes, using elements of mystery and intrigue to explore themes of morality and societal norms.
5. Samuel Richardson's epistolary novel format allows for a deeper exploration of characters' internal conflicts regarding social class, revealing how it impacts their decisions and relationships.

Review Questions

• How does social class shape character interactions in Jane Austen's works?
  • In Jane Austen's novels, social class is a critical factor that defines character interactions, influencing marriage prospects, friendships, and community dynamics. Characters often navigate complex social hierarchies, where wealth and status dictate their choices and relationships. The tension between different classes becomes central to the plot, showcasing how societal expectations can both limit and empower individuals.
• Discuss the role of social class in shaping the themes presented in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre'.
  • In 'Jane Eyre', social class plays a vital role in defining Jane's struggles and aspirations. As an orphan with a low social standing, Jane faces discrimination and hardship but remains determined to forge her path through education and personal integrity. The novel critiques class distinctions by portraying Jane's quest for equality and love with Mr. Rochester, whose wealth places him above her yet challenges traditional notions of class boundaries.
• Evaluate how Wilkie Collins uses social class to critique Victorian society in his sensation novels.
  • Wilkie Collins effectively critiques Victorian society by examining the interplay of social class within his sensation novels. He portrays characters from various classes—ranging from the wealthy elite to the struggling poor—and explores how these distinctions influence their morals, motivations, and fates. Through intricate plots that involve deception and scandal, Collins reveals the hypocrisy embedded within societal norms regarding class, exposing the underlying tensions that challenge the era's values.

Related terms

Class Consciousness: The awareness of one's social class and the interests that come with it, which often influences individual perspectives and societal structures.

Gentry: The social class that is typically composed of landowners and individuals of higher social status, often playing a significant role in local governance and community leadership.

Proletariat: The working-class individuals who do not own the means of production and often have limited social mobility within a capitalist society.