Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict between different classes in society, primarily between the working class and the ruling class, over the distribution of wealth, power, and resources. This struggle highlights the tensions and inequalities inherent in a socio-economic system, often manifesting through political action, social movements, and literary criticism. In literature, especially in works like Piers Plowman, class struggle serves as a lens to examine societal issues, critique social norms, and advocate for reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Piers Plowman presents a vivid allegory of class struggle through its characters, notably the figure of Piers, who embodies the common worker seeking justice and equality.
2. The poem critiques the corruption and greed of the ruling classes while highlighting the plight and dignity of the laboring poor.
3. Class struggle is represented in various dream visions throughout Piers Plowman, illustrating the conflicts between different societal roles and their moral implications.
4. Langland uses allegory to emphasize how social injustice affects not only individual lives but also the moral fabric of society as a whole.
5. The work calls for societal reform by urging readers to recognize their responsibilities toward one another across class lines.

Review Questions

• How does Piers Plowman illustrate the concept of class struggle through its characters and narrative structure?
  • Piers Plowman illustrates class struggle by featuring characters that represent different societal classes, particularly Piers as a symbol of the working class. The narrative unfolds through dream visions that showcase conflicts between these classes, revealing their struggles for dignity and justice. The interactions among characters expose the moral failings of the elite while amplifying the voices of the laborers, thereby emphasizing the need for social change.
• Discuss how allegory is used in Piers Plowman to critique societal norms related to class struggle.
  • Allegory in Piers Plowman serves as a powerful tool for critiquing societal norms regarding class struggle. Through various allegorical figures and scenarios, Langland addresses issues like corruption among the wealthy and the exploitation of the poor. This allegorical approach allows readers to engage with complex social critiques in a symbolic manner, fostering an understanding of how class disparities lead to broader societal issues that require reform.
• Evaluate the role of class struggle in shaping the moral messages conveyed in Piers Plowman and its implications for contemporary society.
  • The role of class struggle in Piers Plowman shapes its moral messages by highlighting the necessity of compassion and social responsibility across class lines. Langland’s portrayal of struggles faced by the working class challenges readers to reflect on their roles within a hierarchically structured society. This emphasis on interdependence and justice remains relevant today, prompting contemporary audiences to consider modern inequalities and advocate for systemic changes that support equity and social justice.

Related terms

Proletariat: The working class or those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Bourgeoisie: The middle or owning class who control the means of production and hold economic power over the proletariat.

Social justice: The concept that advocates for the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within society.