The evolution of English society and literature: twin paths

The evolution of English society and literature: twin paths

English literature over the years has not only served to entertain readers but has also helped us better understand the society of each era and the people who lived through it. It is like a window that lets us look at the thoughts, beliefs, and difficulties of different times in history. It helps us feel a connection with the past and understand what people went through over the years. To enhance our comprehension of English history, its progression, and the individuals who inhabited each epoch, we shall conduct an analysis employing the avenue of literature, starting with Renaissance literature.


Renaissance literature


During this period, England's population doubled, setting off significant social changes. Soaring prices and rents disrupted traditional social structures. The resulting societal fluidity favored the ascent of the merchant class and ambitious lesser gentlemen over the aristocracy and laborers, evident in contemporary satires and comedies.

The prosperity of sheep farmers, evident in the popularity of Elizabethan pastoral poetry, coincided with the enclosure movement. 

In this dynamic landscape, a widening wealth gap left a substantial portion of the population in poverty. Descriptions in pamphlets by Thomas Harman and Robert Greene, as well as Shakespeare's King Lear,  vividly illustrate a world marked by vagabondage and crime, encapsulating a formidable and seemingly insurmountable social challenge of the Elizabethan era.

English literature began exploring social class in a more nuanced way. In plays like William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, the distinctions between the nobility and commoners were spotlighted. These works not only delved into the complexities of class but also highlighted how social status influenced characters' opportunities, privileges, and ultimate fates, offering a vivid portrayal of the societal constraints of the time.


Victorian Era 


The Victorian Era was characterized by transformative shifts in education, literacy, and societal attitudes. Influential publications such as Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto and Darwin's Origin of the Species sparked political and religious debates, symbolizing a move from Romantic idealism to an empirical worldview. Economic growth, technological advancements, and industrialization defined the era, prompting writers to explore both the marvels and challenges of the Industrial Revolution.


The rising influence of literature turned reading into a widespread social activity, with compulsory education and improved printing technology contributing to near-universal literacy by the century's end. Charles Dickens, a prominent writer of the time, extensively explored class disparities in works like Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. These novels vividly contrast the struggles of lower-class characters with the privileges of the upper class, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the working class and the indifference of the affluent.

 



Modern period


In the modern period, English literature continued its examination of social class, exemplified by F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. This novel critiques the American Dream and the affluent class of the 1920s. Fitzgerald vividly portrays the stark division between "Old money" and "new money," emphasizing how wealth and social status can corrupt individuals and perpetuate social inequality. The Great Gatsby serves as a cautionary tale, revealing the superficiality of prosperity and the moral decline within the upper echelons of society during the transformative Roaring Twenties.



During that time, writers and poets responded to big changes and the impact of World War I. They wanted to break away from old traditions and express individual thoughts. Poets like Hardy and Owen wrote about the sadness of war, and poetry changed to become shorter and more free. Novels by writers like Forster and Woolf focused on how people think. There were also short stories and a famous dystopian novel, Brave New World. The influence continued into a later period, hinting at the impact of World War II.


Post-World War II


In the post-World War II literary landscape, particularly in the mid-20th century, the theme of social class was addressed amidst societal changes. George Orwell's 1984 stands as a poignant depiction of a dystopian world where a totalitarian regime manipulates social class divisions to maintain control. Going beyond a traditional exploration of class, the novel delves into the broader dynamics of power and control, highlighting how social class can be wielded as a tool for oppression by an authoritative state. Orwell's cautionary tale remains pertinent, urging readers to contemplate the consequences of unchecked authority and the role of social structures in shaping a society's destiny.


Writers explore the psychological aftermath of war, evolving class structures, changing gender roles, and the quest for identity. The "Angry Young Men" movement critiques social norms, while political commentaries by Orwell address totalitarianism. Post-colonial perspectives and cultural realism emerge, offering diverse narratives on the decline of the British Empire. This literature captures the complexities, challenges, and aspirations of a society in transition during the mid-20th century.



Contemporary literature 


Contemporary English literature portrays a diverse and dynamic society through narratives that explore multiculturalism, identity, social issues, gender dynamics, urbanization, LGBTQ+ experiences, technology's impact, economic disparities, mental health, and environmental concerns. Authors like Zadie Smith, Sally Rooney, and Kazuo Ishiguro contribute to a rich tapestry of stories that capture the complexities and nuances of modern English life, addressing pressing issues and reflecting the evolving nature of society in the 21st century.


In contemporary English literature, social class remains a pertinent theme as depicted in Zadie Smith's White Teeth and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. White Teeth vividly explores the complexities of class, race, and identity in modern London, while the Harry Potter series subtly weaves social class distinctions into the magical world, portraying the contrasts between wizards from affluent, pure-blood families and those from more humble backgrounds like Harry. These works contribute to the ongoing conversation about social class, inviting readers to contemplate its impact on individual experiences and societal dynamics in the present day.



In summary, understanding the history of those who came before us is crucial. Literature mirrors our societal progress, providing women with more meaningful roles, breaking away from stereotypes, and allowing them to be protagonists in their own right. We also encounter stories that feature LGBTQ+ individuals and delve into mental health issues, marking significant milestones that showcase diversity and evolution in today's society. This recognition and celebration of diverse narratives contribute to a richer, more inclusive cultural tapestry.


References


Saifi, S. (2023, May 30). The exploration of social class in English literature. My Exam Solution. https://www.myexamsolution.com/2023/05/the-exploration-of-social-class-in-english-literature.html


(2012, August 21). Literary Social Class. Literary Articles. https://literacle.com/literary-social-class/ 


The Renaissance period: 1550–1660. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/The-Renaissance-period-1550-1660 


The Victorians. British Literature Wiki. https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/the-victorians/ 


British Modernism. Eastern Connecticut State University. https://www.easternct.edu/speichera/understanding-literary-history-all/british-modernism.html


Hillary, T. (2019, January 15). [Illustration]. The Price of the Poor's Words: Social Relations and the Economics of Deposing for One's "Betters" in Early Modern England. Economic History Society. https://ehs.org.uk/the-price-of-the-poors-words-social-relations-and-the-economics-of-deposing-for-ones-betters-in-early-modern-england/ 


(2013, November 18). [Illustration]. Women in the Victorian era. Byron's Muse. https://ehs.org.uk/the-price-of-the-poors-words-social-relations-and-the-economics-of-deposing-for-ones-betters-in-early-modern-england/ 


Rosenberg, J. (2020, March 25). [Photograph]. Flappers in the Roaring Twenties. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/flappers-in-the-roaring-twenties-1779240 


Yankee Magazine. (2020, Juin 16). [Photograph]. Remembering the End of World War II | From the Yankee Archives. New England.  https://newengland.com/yankee/magazine/remembering-the-end-of-world-war-ii-from-the-yankee-archives/ 


[Photograph]. What are social movements? Quora. https://www.quora.com/What-are-social-movements 

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