Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict between different social classes, particularly the struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (working class). This concept emphasizes the inherent tensions and contradictions within society based on economic disparities and power dynamics. It is a central theme in literature that critiques societal structures and highlights the impact of class inequalities on human experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle is a fundamental concept in Marxist theory, highlighting how societal change arises from conflicts between economic classes.
2. In French realism, writers like Zola depict the harsh realities faced by the working class, illustrating the struggles against oppressive social conditions.
3. Russian realism also reflects class struggle, as Dostoevsky and Tolstoy explore the moral dilemmas faced by characters within a stratified society.
4. Contemporary South Asian literature often addresses themes of class struggle through narratives that highlight socio-economic disparities and cultural conflicts.
5. Marxist and New Historicist approaches analyze texts by considering how class struggle shapes narratives, characters, and societal critiques within literature.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of class struggle manifest in the works of Balzac, Flaubert, and Zola within French realism?
  • In the works of Balzac, Flaubert, and Zola, class struggle is prominently depicted through character interactions and societal critiques that reflect the tensions between different social classes. For instance, Balzac's 'Eugénie Grandet' highlights the conflict between wealth and poverty, while Zola's 'Germinal' vividly portrays the struggles of coal miners against their bourgeois employers. These authors use their narratives to explore how economic conditions influence personal relationships and societal structures, making class struggle a central theme in their storytelling.
• Discuss how Dostoevsky and Tolstoy represent class struggle in their narratives and the impact this has on character development.
  • Dostoevsky and Tolstoy approach class struggle with a focus on moral and ethical dilemmas faced by their characters. In 'Crime and Punishment,' Dostoevsky illustrates Raskolnikov's internal conflict stemming from his socio-economic status and his views on morality. Similarly, Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina' explores the constraints imposed by social class on personal happiness. Both authors highlight how these struggles influence character motivations and ultimately shape their destinies within a rigidly stratified society.
• Evaluate how contemporary South Asian literature reflects class struggle and its relevance in today's socio-economic climate.
  • Contemporary South Asian literature, as seen in works by authors like Rushdie, Roy, and Lahiri, effectively reflects class struggle by showcasing the complexities of identity and social inequality in modern contexts. Rushdie's narratives often intertwine historical events with personal stories that reveal the impact of class on cultural identity. Roy's 'The God of Small Things' critiques social hierarchies and caste systems, while Lahiri's works often highlight immigrant experiences that grapple with socio-economic challenges. These themes resonate deeply with current global issues of inequality and injustice, emphasizing that class struggle remains a significant aspect of human experience across cultures.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The social class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society, often characterized by wealth and control over economic resources.

Proletariat: The working class who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive, often subjected to exploitation.

Alienation: A condition in which individuals feel disconnected from their work, society, or sense of self, often resulting from oppressive economic systems.