Class struggle

Definition

Class struggle refers to the conflict between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), arising from their opposing interests. This term is essential in understanding the dynamics of society, as it highlights the tensions and inequalities that shape human experiences and historical developments, influencing various literary movements, including realism and naturalism, which often depict social realities and critiques of class disparities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Class struggle is a central theme in many realist and naturalist works, reflecting the socio-economic tensions of the time.
2. Realist writers often depicted everyday life, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people caught in the throes of class conflict.
3. French realism emerged as a response to romanticism, emphasizing objective observation of societal issues, including class disparities.
4. American realism portrayed class struggle by highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly industrializing society.
5. Naturalist literature often illustrates the impact of environment and social conditions on individuals, emphasizing the harsh realities of class struggle.

Review Questions

• How does class struggle manifest in realist literature, and what techniques do authors use to portray this conflict?
  • Class struggle manifests in realist literature through the depiction of characters from various social backgrounds facing economic hardships and social injustices. Authors use techniques such as detailed character development, realistic dialogue, and settings that reflect everyday life to bring these conflicts to light. By focusing on relatable characters' struggles and aspirations, writers invite readers to empathize with the challenges posed by societal inequalities.
• Discuss how French realism specifically addressed issues related to class struggle during its emergence in the 19th century.
  • French realism emerged as a direct response to romanticism and sought to provide an unfiltered portrayal of contemporary life. Writers like Gustave Flaubert and Honoré de Balzac highlighted class struggles by exploring the complexities of urban life, wealth distribution, and social mobility. Their works often illustrated how economic forces shaped individual destinies while critiquing the moral shortcomings of the bourgeoisie, thus emphasizing the pervasive nature of class conflict in society.
• Evaluate the role of naturalism in shaping the narrative around class struggle in literature, particularly concerning environmental influences on individuals.
  • Naturalism plays a critical role in shaping narratives around class struggle by emphasizing how environment and social conditions influence human behavior and outcomes. Authors like Émile Zola portrayed characters trapped by their circumstances, showcasing how poverty, heredity, and societal pressures drive their decisions. By illustrating these external factors that limit individual agency, naturalist literature provides a deeper understanding of class struggle as not just an internal conflict but one that is significantly shaped by broader societal forces.

Related terms

Bourgeoisie: The capitalist class that owns most of the wealth and means of production in society, often seen as oppressors of the working class.

Proletariat: The working class that does not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.

Naturalism:

A literary movement that extends realism by suggesting that environment, heredity, and social conditions determine human behavior, often showcasing the struggles of individuals against societal forces.