Middle-class values

Definition

Middle-class values refer to the social and ethical standards that emerged prominently during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in Britain, emphasizing personal responsibility, hard work, respectability, and a focus on family life. These values became central to the identity of the growing middle class and influenced various aspects of society, including literature and theater, reflecting aspirations for stability, propriety, and moral integrity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Middle-class values were characterized by a strong emphasis on individualism, where personal success was often attributed to one's work ethic and moral conduct.
2. During the Restoration era, these values played a significant role in shaping the themes of Restoration drama, which often highlighted the importance of social status and personal integrity.
3. Comedy of manners emerged as a genre that satirized the behaviors and pretensions of the middle class, reflecting their values while also critiquing societal norms.
4. The rise of the middle class during this period was linked to economic changes such as trade expansion and increased wealth accumulation from commerce, leading to greater social influence.
5. Literature from this era often served as a vehicle for exploring conflicts between traditional aristocratic values and the newly emerging middle-class ideals.

Review Questions

• How did middle-class values influence the themes and characters in Restoration drama?
  • Middle-class values significantly shaped Restoration drama by emphasizing personal responsibility, moral integrity, and social status. Characters in these plays often embodied these values as they navigated their social worlds, leading to conflicts between individual aspirations and societal expectations. Themes such as ambition, deception, and respectability were prevalent as playwrights reflected on the lives of the growing middle class.
• In what ways did comedy of manners serve as a critique of middle-class values during the Restoration period?
  • Comedy of manners often mocked the pretentiousness and hypocrisy found within middle-class society. By highlighting characters who embodied exaggerated versions of middle-class values—such as respectability and social climbing—the genre critiqued not only individual behaviors but also the broader societal norms that defined success. This comedic lens allowed audiences to reflect on their own lives while being entertained.
• Evaluate the impact of middle-class values on societal changes during the Restoration period and their lasting effects on British literature.
  • Middle-class values played a pivotal role in reshaping societal dynamics during the Restoration period, influencing both individual identities and collective aspirations. As these values gained prominence, they fostered a sense of social mobility and self-determination among individuals previously marginalized. This cultural shift resonated through British literature, where authors increasingly explored themes related to morality, personal ambition, and societal critique. The legacy of these values continues to influence literary traditions, shaping character development and thematic exploration in subsequent works.

Related terms

Victorian Morality: A set of social norms and ethical standards that emphasized chastity, modesty, and respectability, heavily influencing the behavior and values of the Victorian middle class.

Social Mobility: The ability for individuals or families to move up or down the social hierarchy, which became more achievable for the middle class during the Restoration period.

Moral Reform: Movements aimed at improving societal morals and ethics, often led by middle-class individuals who sought to promote their values in public life.