Class struggles

Definition

Class struggles refer to the conflicts and tensions between different social classes, particularly the working class and the ruling class, over issues such as wealth, power, and social justice. These struggles highlight the inequalities within society and often manifest in literature as a means to critique social norms and advocate for change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Victorian poetry, class struggles were often explored through themes of social injustice, with poets using their work to highlight the plight of the working class.
2. Auden's poetry frequently addressed class struggles by critiquing the social and economic disparities present in his time, urging readers to reflect on their implications.
3. Literary movements during the Victorian era, such as Realism, were heavily influenced by class struggles, portraying the harsh realities faced by lower classes.
4. Both Victorian poets and Auden utilized imagery and symbolism to illustrate the struggles between social classes, making their works powerful commentaries on society.
5. The historical context of industrialization during the Victorian period intensified class struggles, leading to a growing awareness of the need for reform in society.

Review Questions

• How did Victorian poets use their work to reflect the realities of class struggles during their time?
  • Victorian poets often highlighted the harsh conditions faced by the working class through vivid imagery and emotional appeal in their poems. They portrayed social injustices and the inequalities perpetuated by the ruling class, using their literary voice to advocate for change. This reflection on class struggles served not only to raise awareness but also to connect with readers on a deeper emotional level.
• Discuss how Auden's political and social commentary in poetry engages with the theme of class struggles.
  • Auden’s poetry is rich with political and social commentary that directly engages with class struggles. He critiques societal norms and highlights the disparities between social classes, often positioning himself as a voice for the marginalized. His works challenge readers to confront these inequalities, making connections between personal experiences and larger societal issues related to power dynamics.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of class struggles in both Victorian poetry and Auden's work reflects broader societal changes throughout history.
  • The portrayal of class struggles in Victorian poetry and Auden's works illustrates significant societal shifts over time. During the Victorian era, industrialization exacerbated class divides, leading poets to address these issues directly. In contrast, Auden’s writings emerge in a time of political upheaval and global conflict, where he uses his platform to explore contemporary anxieties about power and inequality. Both reflect an evolving consciousness regarding social justice, revealing how literature serves as a mirror to society's ongoing struggle for equality.

Related terms

Proletariat: The working class in capitalist societies, often characterized by their lack of ownership of the means of production and their dependence on wage labor.

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class that owns the means of production and employs the proletariat, often seen as the oppressors in class struggles.

Marxism: A socio-political and economic theory that emphasizes the role of class struggles in societal development, advocating for a revolutionary overthrow of capitalist systems.