Social class

Definition

Social class refers to a hierarchical structure within society that categorizes individuals based on socio-economic factors, such as wealth, occupation, education, and social status. This classification often influences personal interactions, cultural values, and the portrayal of characters in literature and drama, especially in comedic works where class distinctions can drive humor and conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Menander's 'Dyskolos,' the dynamics of social class are crucial as they highlight the contrasting lifestyles and values of characters from different backgrounds.
2. Menander's life reflected his own social standing, being part of a wealthier class, which influenced how he portrayed societal norms and class distinctions in his plays.
3. Roman comic conventions adopted elements of Greek New Comedy, particularly how they depicted social class through stock characters like the wealthy man, the clever servant, and the naive youth.
4. Terence's adaptations of Greek New Comedy also emphasized social class by portraying the struggles of characters from different classes navigating love and societal expectations.
5. Comedy often exaggerates social class differences to create humor, revealing both the absurdity and harsh realities faced by characters in these scenarios.

Review Questions

• How does Menander’s portrayal of social class in 'Dyskolos' contribute to the comedic elements of the play?
  • In 'Dyskolos,' Menander uses social class to create humor through misunderstandings and contrasts between the characters. The protagonist Knemon represents the grumpy lower class, while characters like Pamphile come from a wealthier background. This clash leads to comedic situations where societal expectations and personal desires collide, showcasing the absurdities inherent in strict social hierarchies.
• Discuss how Roman comic conventions reflect or challenge social class structures seen in earlier Greek comedies.
  • Roman comic conventions often both reflected and challenged existing social class structures found in Greek comedies. They retained stock characters representing various classes while introducing new complexities in their relationships. The incorporation of more satirical elements allowed Roman playwrights to critique or mock societal norms, providing commentary on the absurdities of class distinctions while maintaining traditional comedic frameworks.
• Evaluate Terence’s adaptations of Greek New Comedy in relation to social class and its implications on character development.
  • Terence’s adaptations of Greek New Comedy effectively illustrate how social class informs character development and relationships. By focusing on the interactions between characters from differing classes, Terence emphasizes the universal themes of love and ambition while critiquing societal norms. His works reveal how characters navigate their aspirations against the backdrop of their social standing, highlighting the human experience that transcends class divisions yet remains deeply rooted in them.

Related terms

class conflict: The struggle for power and resources between different social classes, often depicted in literature as a source of tension and humor.

status anxiety: The stress and worry individuals experience regarding their perceived social standing, often leading to comedic situations in narratives.

patronage: The support given by wealthier classes to artists and playwrights, which can shape the themes and characters in comedic works.