Social class

Definition

Social class refers to a hierarchical distinction between groups in society based on factors such as wealth, education, occupation, and social status. It influences people's access to resources and opportunities and shapes their experiences and interactions within society. In literature, social class is often used to explore themes of inequality, power dynamics, and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In American realism, authors like Twain, James, and Wharton use social class to critique the societal norms and inequalities of their time, often highlighting the struggles of different classes.
2. Twain's works frequently address issues of class through the experiences of his characters, particularly in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', where social status impacts relationships and moral choices.
3. Wharton's novels often delve into the lives of the upper class and their moral dilemmas, illustrating how social class can dictate personal values and relationships.
4. In Brazilian literature, Machado de Assis explores themes of social class through nuanced characters who navigate the complexities of race and class in post-slavery Brazil.
5. Lispector's works often reflect on the inner lives of her characters, highlighting how their social status influences their identities and personal conflicts.

Review Questions

• How do Twain and Wharton utilize social class in their narratives to convey messages about American society?
  • Twain and Wharton both use social class as a lens to critique American society. Twain often presents characters from various classes to highlight the absurdities and injustices within the social hierarchy, as seen in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. In contrast, Wharton delves into the lives of the upper class, revealing how their wealth influences morality and interpersonal relationships. Together, they provide a rich commentary on how social class shapes identity and behavior in America.
• Discuss the portrayal of social class in Machado de Assis's works compared to that of Lispector's. What themes do they explore?
  • Machado de Assis focuses on the complexities of social class in post-slavery Brazil, exploring how race and class intersect through his characters' struggles. His works often critique societal norms and highlight the hypocrisy within different classes. On the other hand, Lispector's approach to social class is more introspective; she examines how her characters' identities are shaped by their socio-economic status. Both authors use social class to explore themes such as identity, morality, and societal expectations but from different angles—one more external and critical, while the other is internal and reflective.
• Evaluate the impact of social class on character development in American realism versus Brazilian literature. How does this shape narrative outcomes?
  • In American realism, authors like Twain and Wharton create characters whose development is deeply influenced by their social class, driving plot points that reveal societal critiques. For instance, Huck's moral growth contrasts with the restrictive values of higher classes. Conversely, in Brazilian literature, Machado de Assis crafts characters whose complexities reflect their socio-economic struggles within a transforming society. Lispector highlights individual psychological conflicts shaped by class pressures. This focus on social class enriches character arcs across both literatures but leads to different narrative outcomes—either reinforcing or challenging existing societal structures depending on cultural contexts.

Related terms

Class Consciousness: The awareness of one's social class and the interests that come with it, often leading to collective action or solidarity among members of the same class.

Stratification: The division of society into layers or strata based on socio-economic factors, which can impact individuals' life chances and access to resources.

Cultural Capital: The non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, such as education, intellect, style of speech, dress, or physical appearance.