Hypocrisy

Definition

Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It often involves a disconnect between what one professes to believe and how one actually behaves, making it a central target for critique in literature, especially within social commentary. This term highlights the contradiction between appearance and reality, prompting readers to question societal norms and individual integrity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hypocrisy has been a significant theme in both 18th and 19th-century literature, particularly as writers sought to reveal the contradictions in society's moral values.
2. Many authors used satire as a tool to expose hypocrisy, aiming to encourage readers to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors.
3. The portrayal of hypocritical characters often serves to highlight the flaws in social institutions and norms, pushing for reform or change.
4. Literature from this period often critiques the hypocrisy present in religion, politics, and social customs, revealing the gap between professed ideals and actual practices.
5. Famous literary works from this era, such as those by authors like Jonathan Swift and Charles Dickens, showcase hypocrisy as a mechanism for social criticism, prompting audiences to challenge societal expectations.

Review Questions

• How does hypocrisy serve as a critical element in the use of satire within literature?
  • Hypocrisy is essential to satire because it reveals the contradictions in human behavior and societal norms. Satirical works highlight the difference between what individuals say they value and how they act, using irony and exaggeration to emphasize this disparity. By showcasing hypocritical behavior, authors invite readers to reflect on their own values and the impact of societal expectations on individual actions.
• Discuss how authors in the 18th and 19th centuries used literary devices to expose hypocrisy in their society.
  • Authors employed various literary devices such as irony, satire, and characterization to expose hypocrisy. By crafting characters who embodied contradictory beliefs or actions, writers illustrated the moral failings of their society. For instance, through satirical portrayals of religious figures or politicians who acted contrary to their proclaimed values, these authors critiqued institutions that perpetuated hypocrisy while encouraging readers to scrutinize their own beliefs and those of others.
• Evaluate the impact of hypocrisy on social reform movements during the 18th and 19th centuries as depicted in literature.
  • Hypocrisy significantly influenced social reform movements during this period by highlighting moral inconsistencies within established institutions. Literature critiquing hypocritical practices in religion, politics, or class structures galvanized public sentiment and sparked calls for change. By exposing these discrepancies through compelling narratives, authors encouraged readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and inspired movements aimed at addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice. This literary engagement with hypocrisy played a crucial role in shaping social consciousness and advocating for reform.

Related terms

Irony: A rhetorical device or situation where there is a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, often used to highlight hypocrisy.

Moralism: An approach that emphasizes morality as a central theme, often leading to the criticism of hypocritical behavior when moral standards are not upheld.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal issues, often exposing hypocrisy within institutions and individuals.