Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie (the capitalists who own the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class who sell their labor). This term is central to the understanding of social and economic tensions, often depicted in literature as characters navigate their positions within a hierarchical society. Class struggle highlights the inequalities and power dynamics that influence individuals’ lives, shaping narratives and character motivations within realism and naturalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle is a key theme in many realist and naturalist works, illustrating the harsh realities faced by individuals in different social classes.
2. Literary depictions of class struggle often showcase the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie, emphasizing the need for social change.
3. Naturalist literature frequently portrays characters as products of their environment, highlighting how socioeconomic status influences their fate.
4. Realism emphasizes authentic representation of everyday life, using class struggle to explore moral dilemmas and societal issues.
5. The resolution of class struggle in literature can reflect broader historical movements toward social justice or revolution.

Review Questions

• How does class struggle manifest in realism and naturalism, and what are its implications for character development?
  • In realism and naturalism, class struggle manifests through characters' interactions with their social environments, often revealing the disparities between different classes. Characters from lower classes may experience hardship and exploitation at the hands of wealthier individuals, which influences their motivations and decisions. This conflict not only drives the plot but also invites readers to engage with societal issues and reflect on the moral implications of class disparities.
• Discuss how literary techniques in naturalism highlight class struggle compared to realism.
  • Naturalism employs a deterministic approach, portraying characters as products of their environment shaped by socioeconomic conditions, which emphasizes the inevitability of class struggle. Through detailed descriptions of setting and characters' struggles, naturalist authors illustrate how social forces dictate individual outcomes. In contrast, realism focuses more on authentic representation and nuanced character development, showing how personal choices intersect with societal structures. Together, these techniques enhance readers' understanding of class dynamics.
• Evaluate the role of class struggle in influencing historical movements portrayed in literature, particularly regarding societal change.
  • Class struggle plays a crucial role in influencing historical movements depicted in literature, as it reflects broader societal conflicts that often lead to significant change. Literature often captures moments of upheaval where oppressed classes challenge established systems, mirroring real-life revolutions or reform movements. By showcasing these struggles, authors not only highlight individual experiences but also inspire discussions about social justice, encouraging readers to consider their roles in advocating for change within their own societies.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The social class that owns the means of production and is often associated with wealth and power in capitalist societies.

Proletariat: The working class who do not own means of production and must sell their labor to survive, often depicted in literature as victims of exploitation.

Socialism: An economic and political system advocating for collective or governmental ownership of the means of production, often arising from class struggle.