American Literature Social Class - 1598 Words

In the history of world literature, American literature has become one of the most popular types of work. This period hosted many of the greatest authors, and their names remain even to this day. The authors’ novels always present many similar themes, and one of the themes is social class. Social class is the novel’s societal structure which includes wealth, status, reputation, and education of each character. An example of social class in real life, is within the class structure of any developed nation. For example, in the United States there are five different social classes. According to Thompson and Hickey’s Society in Focus, today’s social classes include the part-time or unemployed, the clerical or blue collars, professional support,†¦show more content†¦Colonel and Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon are in the higher class because they hold enough power, wealth, and reputation to control parts of the storyline. Social status and class matter in this no vel because they create the necessary backbone of the whole storyline as social classes contribute to the motivations for a character’s actions. For example, since Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon is in the high or political class, he had the power and reputation to accuse Clifford Pyncheon of the murder of Uncle Pyncheon. Hawthorne also started the novel with â€Å"†¦it appears to have at least a matter of doubt, whether Colonel Pyncheon’s claim was not unduly stretched, in order to make it cover the small metes and bounds of Matthew Maule,† (2), to show that Colonel Pyncheon holds high administrative power. With the authority and reputation that Colonel Pyncheon had, he accused Matthew Maule of witchcraft, which allowed him to take control of the land Maule had owned. With the use of social class and status, Nathaniel Hawthorne was able to write a vivid novel by placing different characters within classes. The Turn of the Screw is a well-known ghost story, and it w as written by another American author, Henry James. James used the theme of social class to help with the storyline of a ghost story. The use of social classes impacted the interactions between characters. There are six main characters in this novel: Peter Quint, Miss Jessel, the Governess, Mrs. Grose, Miles, and Flora. FromShow MoreRelatedLiterature and Social Reality1340 Words   |  6 PagesLiterature and Social Reality xxxx ENG/492 xxxx xxxx In this paper I will discuss and analyze the social forces of immigration and industrialization that shape literature during the period of 1865 to 1912. I will describe the major literary movements of the period. Additionally I will explain how Realism and Naturalism influenced the literature of the period, how immigration and industrialization contributed to the influences. I will illustrate using examples from some of theRead MoreEffects Of Social Class On British Literature1113 Words   |  5 PagesSocial conflicts in British/World Literature made a significant impact throughout the history of literature. The effects of social conflict throughout literature dictates the lives and how they shape literature within novels and throughout the world. Social class in British Literature had a tremendous presence and the force of class difference in literature are self evident. Which leads a reader to ask â€Å" How did social class affect literature?† and â€Å" What was its purpose on literature?† The goalRead MoreThe Effect of Cultural and Historical Situations on American Literature 1173 Words   |  5 PagesBrattoli †American literature is almost always tied to historical and social events of the era in which it was written.† There is a connection between literary works from different time periods. 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