Category: Marxist Criticism

Karl Marx sought the answers to questions by trying to understand how our capitalist society works (for whom it works better, for whom worse), how it arose out of feudalism and where it is likely to lead. Concentrating on the social and economic relations in which people earn their livings, Marx saw behind capitalism’s law and order appearance a struggle of two main classes: the capitalists, who own the productive resources, and the workers or proletariat, who must work in order to survive. ‘Marxism’ is essentially Marx’s analysis of the complex and developing relations between these two classes. Marxist criticism sees literary works as a reflection of the social constructs and institutions from the period of which they originate. Culture and ideology are two main factors which Marxist literary critics look at. Ideology, in relation to Marxism, saw that literary was a product of the mind and a form of mental production. Therefore, the class which had the power of material production had more control over those that did not. Ideology makes subordinate classes accept a state of alienation against which they would otherwise revolt.

Catherine Belsey’s ‘Literature, History, Politics’, explores the idea that there is a connection between these three factors, which previously was dismissed. She argues that “paradoxically to bring these three terms together explicitly is still to scandalize the institution of literary criticism, because it is to propose a relationship between the transcendent (literature), the contingent (history) and the merely strategic (politics)”. Belsey celebrates cultural studies’ heroic historical achievements, but berates its institutionalization, seeing therein its stagnation. She proposes the need for a revivification of cultural studies. The revivification of cultural studies would allow people to explore history further and discuss it without feeling guilty or in danger. Belsey critiques the concept of literature being ‘transcendent’ and that it can be detached from history and politics. Generations of people can feel similar emotions due to social and economic conditions. History is what links generations together and it is through literature in which emotions of people can be expressed. Belsey states that “a modern ‘recognition’ is rendered eternal by literary criticism”. Therefore, history can travel through generations through the use of literature.

Belsey acknowledges the education system. She has strong remarks on examination questions in particular. “Examination questions, the ultimate location of institutional power, identify the boundaries of the discipline, and define what it is permissible to ‘discuss’, as they so invitingly and misleadingly put it” (Davies, 1982, p.39). She follows through with this argument by giving examples of exam questions. The seventeenth century was a period of general crisis and an exam question that was asked did not revert to any history of this period. Belsey suggests that if the question was reworded to provoke an answer that allowed history to be written about “the answer might have mattered. But that would be history”. Therefore, Belsey introduces Marx’s theory of culture and ideology. It is the class system and authority suppressing the students and moreover society. Politics is having more influence over history due to culture. “When the institution of literary criticism in Britain invokes history, whether as world picture or as long-lost organic community, it is ultimately in order to suppress it, by showing that in essence things are as they have always been”. Belsey begins to conclude her criticism by saying that there is “no political neutrality in the assertion of an unchanging essential human nature”. As a result of the oppressive nature of the governments, there are limitations as to what can be spoken and written about. Belsey argues that this should not be the way.

In conjunction with the above points, Terry Eagleton also explores culture and ideology in the novel ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë, in relation to the character Heathcliff. He writes, “Heathcliff is subjectively a Heights figure opposing the Grange, and objectively a Grange figure undermining the Heights”. The relationship, Eagleton discusses, between Heathcliff and the world in which he lives, is a complex one. Eagleton speaks a great deal about the capitalist society within the novel. He also criticizes it by mentioning the “increasingly mythical realm of absolute personal value which capitalist social relations cancel”. ‘Wuthering Heights’ is set at a time when social standing and property ownership were intertwined. Heathcliff has nothing, which contrasts with the Earnshaws and the Lintons, who own estates. Heathcliff is not welcome at Thrushcross Grange as he is regarded as “quite unfit for a decent house”. However, Catherine is invited as she is of a higher class than Heathcliff. The difference between the two classes and worlds is evident. The concept of the oppression of the subordinate class, is represented through Heathcliff’s alienation by the capitalists in society. At the beginning of the novel, Heathcliff is oppressed by society. However, he leaves for several years and reappears, wealthy and powerful. He succeeds in taking the Earnshaw’s and the Linton’s properties. “His rise to power symbolizes at once the triumph of the oppressed over capitalism and the triumph of capitalism over the oppressed”. Heathcliff succeeds in gaining wealth and power, but he is now on a similar level to the Earnshaws and Lintons, which conforms with the capitalist society he is living in. The concept of capitalism has seduced Heathcliff into thinking he needs money to gain a higher social status. This coincides with the Marxist theory of false consciousness. The culture of this world revolves around this theory.

Heathcliff challenges the social ideologies of the world. Mr. Lockwood makes Heathcliff sleep with the animals as he is only a servant. No one questions his right to do this, even though they may disapprove. Therefore, people are being suppressed by the capitalist society. Mr. Lockwood incorporates the characteristics associated with men of his stature during this period. He is represented as a quite selfish and detached individual. As a result of this, he fails to recognize the consequences of his actions and the suffering he causes to those less fortunate than him. The subordinate classes tolerate the alienation being forced upon them. However, at the end of the novel, social order is restored. Hareton Earnshaw and Catherine Linton are about to marry and move to Thrushcross Grange together. Eagleton argues that “if the decorous, muted milieu of the Grange will not easily accommodate such passionate intensities, neither will it so readily reveal the more unpleasant face of its social and economic power”. Heathcliff’s defeat is the “transcending of such naked power and the collapse of that passionate protest”.

Through Belsey and Eagleton’s writings, it is clear that to see how Marx theories of culture and ideology are used. Belsey outlines how history has been condensed and argues that history must be discussed and open to interpretation. Social and economic circumstance during the centuries changes the way in which literature can be written and read. Belsey, paired with Eagleton, discuss how the governments, monarchs and social class affect literature through the ages. According to Marx and Engels, ideology ensures the dominance of the ruling class. It achieves this by distorting reality.

Bibliography

1. Barker, Francis, Peter Hulme, Margaret Iversen, and Diana Loxley. 2013. Literature Politics & Theory. Routledge.
2. Belsey, Catherine. 1983. Literature, History, Politics. Literature and History 9 (1): 17.
3. Brontë, E. (2009). Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. New York, NY: Classic Books America.
4. Eagleton, T. 2005. Myths of Power: A Marxist Study of the Brontës. Springer.
5. Nyu.edu. (2019). What Is Marxism? A Bird’s-Eye View. [online] Available at: http://www.nyu.edu/projects/ollman/docs/what_is_marxism.php [Accessed 21 Feb. 2019].

The graphic novel ‘Snowpiercer’, written by Jacques Lob and illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, is most closely represented by Marxist criticism. Marxist literary criticism is a loose term describing literary criticism based on socialist and dialectic theories. ‘Snowpiercer’ represents the three-class in Marxist criticism: the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the proletariat.

The aristocracy can be best represented by the lieutenant in the graphic novel. An aristocracy is a form of government that places strength in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class; their power is built up by the acquisition of land, control over political structure, and the labor of the working class. The lieutenant commands the military forces and rules over the train. Towards the beginning of the graphic novel, when Adeline goes missing, a group of men come looking for her. When they approach the lieutenant asking to speak to her, he says “No”, then later follows up with, “You’re on military territory; my authority prevails” (Lob and Rochette, 21) once him flexing his authority muscle.

The bourgeoisie can be best characterized in ‘Snowpiercer’ by Adeline. The bourgeoisie are individuals who have built up their power through the acquisition of capital; this social class has the most power and money that we can see today. In the graphic novel Adeline is described as a “young” and “beautiful” (Lob and Rochette, 10) woman, she lives at the front of the train in what is known as first-class: where the wealthier passengers live. The first-class cabins are known for being more luxurious and more spacious than the back of the train, known as “the tail” (Lob and Rochette, 8).

Lastly, the proletariat can be best symbolized by Proloff. The proletariat is the working class; they do not control institutions or political structures. Proloff best represents the proletariat throughout the graphic novel due to his tone and description. He is nothing more than a “tail-fucker” (Lob and Rochette, 4) in the novel. The lieutenant constantly belittles him, and so do other characters from the story, such as the man who is in charge of the plantation. They purposely mistreat him for no other reason than because in their society someone from ‘the tail’ is lesser than the rest of them further pushing the idea of the classes in this novel.

In conclusion, the graphic novel ‘Snowpiercer’, written by Jacques Lob and illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, is most closely represented by Marxist criticism. The graphic novel is constantly reminding the reader of the separation of classes and how one in first cannot mix with those lesser than them. This graphic novel is separated into three categories, the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the proletariat, also knows as the rulers, the rich, and the poor.

Works Cited

1. Lob, Jacques. Snowpiercer: The Escape. Illustrated by Jean-Marc Rochette, Titan Comics, 2014.
2. Bello, Alejandro. Marxist Criticism. Group Presentations: Literary Theories. Group Presentations: Literary Theories, 2019, LAKE WORTH, Palm Beach State Community College.

Work is one of the main reasons why most people cannot spend time with their loved ones, let alone have free time. It is something that occupies one’s life and impacts the lives around that specific person. For example, if a father has to work for 12 to 14 hours straight a day to provide for his family, he will only have time to work, eat, and sleep. When he is not working, he will most likely feel exhausted and will want to rest up for his next shift, preventing him from doing what he wants to do. Eventually, the father will let the work completely take over his life, and parts of him will fade away. In The Metamorphosis, this is the case for Gregor and his family. Gregor is the one who works long shifts as a traveling salesman and with the money he earns, he can provide for and support his mother, father, and sister. Unfortunately, Gregor lets his work take over his life as he later forgets who he is, and he ends up transforming into a bug. Gregor himself, his job, and his parents are all in charge of his transformation because each of them requires him to be very hardworking and isolated from others.

Gregor transformed into a bug because of how he was feeling, how his family treated him, and the impact of his job. He did not enjoy his career at all and it left him with a feeling of unhappiness as after all, it contributed to dehumanizing him. Gregor described his job as full of torment, worrying, and having terrible hours and meals (Kafka 11-12). It seems like he is very busy and despises what he does, but he is doing it for his family. He just wants to help them out and pay off their debt, while his mother and father want him to continue working so that he can provide for them and Grete. There may be two sides to the story where Gregor feels one way about the situation and his parents feel differently. His parents may feel like he needs to work more to survive and provide for the family, while Gregor feels miserable from his work and isolated from those around him. Gregor’s work day consisted of waking up at four in the morning and traveling most of the day, which eventually left a huge impact on him. He was most likely consumed by the work as he did it so often and was all he had time for. Gregor’s feelings, his family, and his job eventually made him feel like he was no longer human as he was not doing human things anymore. The emotions he felt and what he experienced are why he transformed into a bug. His new “bug” life symbolizes who and what he is on the inside, causing him to change into it on the outside too. Perhaps he felt he was being treated like a bug which contributed to his actual transformation into one. Even though he is no longer able to work in his new state, it was all he did when he was a human.

Before Gregor changed into a bug, he was always keeping himself occupied with work, leaving him with little time to do anything else. Most people spend the majority of their day working and making a steady income to help their family members survive. Once someone earns a paycheck, they will most likely use that money on rent, food, clothing, etc., and the cycle continues with each paycheck they earn. Everyone is working to live, as there is not much anyone can get for free. Gregor Samsa has never missed a day of work out of the five years he has been employed, and all of the people he knows such as his parents, sister, and employer know something must be wrong as he missed his train (Kafka 11-13). Samsa is such a hardworking man since he has yet to miss a day of work, and those who know him realize it is unusual when it happens. He is still home at the time when he was supposed to catch a train early in the morning, which causes his family members to check up on him and make sure everything is alright. Gregor’s mother thinks he is unwell; “How otherwise would Gregor miss a train! The boy has no head for anything but the business. I’m almost upset, as it is, that he never goes out at night; he’s been in town for eight days this time but has stayed home every night. He sits with us at the table and reads the paper quietly or studies timetables” (Kafka 16). It is very strange and unlikely for Gregor to miss a train, and even when he is home, he is still working. When some people let work take over their lives, they lose themselves to it and forget who they truly are. Unfortunately, some workers must keep the job they have consisting of long hours and low pay, so they can provide for their family as it is all they can get. These workers are unable to choose if they work or not since there may not be another adult to take on the job of taking care of the family, so they end up having the responsibility themself. Instead of having a social life, forming new relationships, and living his life how he wants to, Gregor is constantly working and it is one of the reasons he transformed. It is as if the impacts he felt from his parents, employer, and job of being extremely busy, worried, and tired, he also happened to isolate himself even more from his family as he faced alienated labor.

Gregor had previously always been in his little world, but because he was too caught up with wanting to help pay his parent’s debt to his boss, they are another reason he transformed and experienced isolation. Gregor was the only one working and supporting the family, making his father, mother, and sister all dependent on him. He was overworking himself so that they all could enjoy not having to work themselves, as well as providing shelter and food for his family. It is as if Gregor’s family is taking advantage of what he does for them, since if it was not because of his parents, he would have quit his job long ago (Kafka 12). Gregor simply just wants to help his parents out and they know how much of a hardworking and dedicated person he is, which is why they contribute to the reasons for him changing into a bug. He rarely misses a day of work and is never home long enough to visit or meet anyone. Once he had transformed, his new appearance was what caused his relationship with his family to change as they slowly grew further and further away from him, leaving Gregor completely isolated from any human contact. His family is largely the reason why he was required to work, and anyone in general who focuses too much on their work will face isolation. The longer someone works, the weaker he will become and there will be less and less of what is his (Marx 2). Gregor’s family may not know it, but since they are relying on his income and for him to constantly work, they will eventually lose him. The worker will do his labor for so long that he will forget what else he cares about and will therefore also live his life alone. He will be alienated and will be in his little world consisting of working, sleeping, and eating instead of socializing, with friends, and family. Gregor’s family is what made him turn into this animal as they are the reason he keeps the job he has. Gregor feels the pressure that he must continue to work so his family can be happy, leaving him somewhat in charge of his transformation.

Gregor spends nearly all day every day working which causes him to partially be at fault for his changing. He is the one that allowed himself to change as there are a few things he could have done to prevent it from happening, but he didn’t. He made himself into an animal since instead of taking time for himself or going out and meeting new people, he chose to stay in and work. Gregor did not have to do what he did for his family though, all three of his family members could have helped out. They could have provided for themselves, but they just wanted Gregor to work so they did not have to (Kafka 37-39). If this happened, Gregor most likely would have wanted to and been able to do what he wanted to do. His situation would have never occurred either, so he would still be alive if his family had picked up jobs sooner than they did. When it comes to humans and animals, both must eat and drink to survive and oftentimes procreate as well. This is what makes humans participate in animal functions when they are not working (Marx 3). Work for an animal seems to be about survival, where the animal must hunt for its food and water and also look for a place to build its home. Similarly to humans, wage labor work makes them an animal since they must work to survive. The worker must follow and go by what he is told to do, and therefore, he has very little control over his labor. It is what he must do if he wants to survive. Before Gregor’s situation, he would constantly work and let it take over his life. Even though he could have quit his job as he very much disliked it, he made up his mind and kept going through with it (Kafka 11-12). By deciding to continue with his work, Gregor only made things worse for himself. If he had quit his job, perhaps he would have not transformed and could have lived happily with his life. However, he did not quit, and his own decision of wanting to still work quickly ended up dehumanizing him. This also goes for many other people as when they are done working, they either sleep, eat, or drink, making them into animals. They are in charge of themselves though, so if they want to let their work consume them then they will most likely lose themself to it. Even those who are poor and have a family to support could keep their current job but hope to quit if they find a better one. It may be difficult to find the time to look for a new job since they do not have much extra time, but if they want it badly enough to help their family, then they are probably going to do anything and everything they can just like Gregor did. The situation would most likely end either with the worst being the worker keeps the same job or the best where he finds something better for him and his family and moves on. Gregor let his work take over his life which contributed to his transformation, but he had to work to live.

Work is something everyone must do at one point or another because it is part of human nature and it is needed for survival. However, some laborers must work longer hours and more days than others as the wages differ. One worker may get paid more while another one gets paid less, and the one who receives less will need to work more so they can get paid the best they can. Most of these workers are simply trying to support and provide for their families, and by doing so, they spend just about all day every day working. Gregor did this for his family and he ended up in a rough situation because of it. Gregor’s job, Gregor himself, and his parents are what alienated him from himself as he always had to be gone or busy. He was unable to pursue his dreams, do what he liked to enjoy, and have a social life all because of his parents, himself, and his job taking over his life. He should have been able to achieve all of these and live a life that he wanted to live. Instead, from what he felt on the inside, he transformed into it on the outside too. If only Gregor had quit his job long ago and found something else to do his situation would have never happened in the first place. This goes for many others as well since if they find another job that pays better, they can also quit their current job and begin working for a better one. Even if their wage is slightly raised at the new job, it is still better than the last. However, if one fails to find a better paying job, then they would be unable to quit their career since it is all they have to support their family. Life, in general, would be so much better if everyone was able to pursue their dreams, rather than being forced to do something that makes them unhappy. Gregor’s situation was like this he was very unhappy with his job, but he was forced to work so he could provide for his family. He was paid well enough to support them with a house, food, clothes, etc., but he was putting his family before himself and he did not do what he wanted to do. If everyone was able to live their life how they wanted to, they would be way happier.

Works Cited

1. Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Dover Publications, 1996, pp. 11-52.
2. Marx, Karl. “Alienated Labor.” Writings of the Young Marx on Philosophy and Society. 1967, pp. 1-8.

In the early 1800s, a German philosopher named Karl Marx shared his beliefs on societies and how they revolve around the economy. He believed that societies are mainly shaped by economic organization and that social changes are a product of class conflicts. In the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, social classes show the reader how class affects the quality of life. The setting in The Great Gatsby begins in the wealthy areas of East and West Egg. East Egg houses the rich white citizens who inherited their money through the family. While West Egg consists of rich white people who earn their money. Gatsby lives in West Egg along with the narrator, Nick Carraway. While Gatsby’s love, Daisy, lives on the opposite side of the lake in East Egg with her husband, Tom Buchanan. As Gatsby attempts to win her affection he learns how insignificant money is without happiness. On the other end of the spectrum is A Raisin in the Sun. This book is about a family of five living in a small apartment. Mama has a dream of buying a house and when her husband passes away she can afford it with the life insurance money they receive. Walter and Beneatha are Mama’s children. Walter is unhappily married to Ruth and they have a son, Travis. Beneatha wants to be a doctor but there are always factors holding them back from their dreams. The family is African-American and in the lower class. Being in a lower class means not having as many opportunities. The character’s experiences and conflict themes are affected by their social classes in the books The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun.

Both novels have characters that differ in their attitudes based on their social class and experiences. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby lives a life of luxury in his mansion. Unfortunately, his earnings came from his family passing away, and his

In the early 1800s, a German philosopher named Karl Marx shared his beliefs on societies and how they revolve around the economy. He believed that societies are mainly shaped by economic organization and that social changes are a product of class conflicts. In the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, social classes show the reader how class affects the quality of life. The setting in The Great Gatsby begins in the wealthy areas of East and West Egg. East Egg houses the rich white citizens who inherited their money through the family. While West Egg consists of rich white people who earn their money. Gatsby lives in West Egg along with the narrator, Nick Carraway. While Gatsby’s love, Daisy, lives on the opposite side of the lake in East Egg with her husband, Tom Buchanan. As Gatsby attempts to win her affection he learns how insignificant money is without happiness. On the other end of the spectrum is A Raisin in the Sun. This book is about a family of five living in a small apartment. Mama has a dream of buying a house and when her husband passes away she can afford it with the life insurance money they receive. Walter and Beneatha are Mama’s children. Walter is unhappily married to Ruth and they have a son, Travis. Beneatha wants to be a doctor but there are always factors holding them back from their dreams. The family is African-American and in the lower class. Being in a lower class means not having as many opportunities. The character’s experiences and conflict themes are affected by their social classes in the books The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun.

Both novels have characters that differ in their attitudes based on their social class and experiences. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby lives a life of luxury in his mansion. Unfortunately, his earnings came from his family passing away and his good friend “Dan Cody” who gave him “twenty-five thousand dollars” after his death (Fitzgerald 100). He fills his home with strangers in loud parties to make up for his loneliness. As the story progresses, he pursues his lost love, Daisy. As lovely as she appears, she rejects him because her husband has more money than Gatsby could ever give to her, even though she truly loves him. All the characters in this book have shown carelessness. Gatsby’s dream of earning Daisy’s love also sends him off into being “a bootlegger” to earn money (Fitzgerald 61). Comparatively, Walter from A Raisin in the Sun has money problems but on a larger scale. Walter lives in the poor part of town and doesn’t have enough money to pay for his lunch. His family speaks broken English due to the lack of quality education and He soon signs up to give his father’s inheritance to his “friend” Willy. Mama gave Beneatha three thousand and Walter, three thousand five hundred. He later is told that it was a scam and he lost all of his money that he claimed was “MADE OF HIS FATHER’S FLESH” (Taco 85). As he struggles to go about his life he soon realizes that money can’t buy the love of his family, something that Gatsby would never have. Social classes caused Walter to suffer through each day, not knowing if he could provide for his family and being blind to the poverty tearing down his home. Contrastingly, Gatsby could never be happy, knowing that everything in his life is replaceable and he cannot buy joy but rather, anything of materialistic value.

Arising conflicts in the books is significant to the social class in which they take place and the way they are handled. In The Great Gatsby, the main conflict is the possible murder of Tom Buchanan’s mistress, Myrtle. Most cases of conflict could be solved with money, but even money can’t revive the dead. The death was caused by Gatsby’s car running her over. Daisy and Gatsby are both in the vehicle when the collision occurs and Gatsby claims Daisy ran her over but he would take the blame. One night, as Gatsby swam in his pool, Myrtle’s husband came and took his revenge on Gatsby. This is significant because it shows that no matter how much money you may have, you cannot stop death itself. Fortunately, Walter and Mama’s problems did not involve such fatal consequences. The conflict in A Raisin in the Sun is the lack of finances. Not having enough money causes tension between the family. Walter then loses six thousand dollars out of the ten thousand inherited by the family. Although this issue impacted their lives greatly, it never could take away the fact that they “came from people who had a lot of pride” and love for one another (Taco 100). Therefore, life in different social classes caused conflicts of differing natures. Both conflicts are important to the narrative of the story but the recurring theme is that living in a higher class provides a life of leisurely pleasure until serious matters come about and lower class life comes with many struggles but does not hinder the pursuit of happiness.

In summation, The character’s experiences, and conflict themes are affected by their social classes in the books The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun. The Authors of both novels successfully portrayed life in classes during the early to mid-1900s. Marx’s beliefs are deemed true when reading about the troubles most go through in each class. Characters in the book compare to each other even though they are in opposite classes. These characters are also influenced by the social classes through their experiences and differing conflicts.

In the early 1800s, a German philosopher named Karl Marx shared his beliefs on societies and how they revolve around the economy. He believed that societies are mainly shaped by economic organization and that social changes are a product of class conflicts. In the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, social classes show the reader how class affects the quality of life. The setting in The Great Gatsby begins in the wealthy areas of East and West Egg. East Egg houses the rich white citizens who inherited their money through the family. While West Egg consists of rich white people who earn their money. Gatsby lives in West Egg along with the narrator, Nick Carraway. While Gatsby’s love, Daisy, lives on the opposite side of the lake in East Egg with her husband, Tom Buchanan. As Gatsby attempts to win her affection he learns how insignificant money is without happiness. On the other end of the spectrum is A Raisin in the Sun. This book is about a family of five living in a small apartment. Mama has a dream of buying a house and when her husband passes away she can afford it with the life insurance money they receive. Walter and Beneatha are Mama’s children. Walter is unhappily married to Ruth and they have a son, Travis. Beneatha wants to be a doctor but there are always factors holding them back from their dreams. The family is African-American and in the lower class. Being in a lower class means not having as many opportunities. The character’s experiences and conflict themes are affected by their social classes in the books The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun.

Both novels have characters that differ in their attitudes based on their social class and experiences. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby lives a life of luxury in his mansion. Unfortunately, his earnings came from his family passing away, and his

In the early 1800s, a German philosopher named Karl Marx shared his beliefs on societies and how they revolve around the economy. He believed that societies are mainly shaped by economic organization and that social changes are a product of class conflicts. In the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry, social classes show the reader how class affects the quality of life. The setting in The Great Gatsby begins in the wealthy areas of East and West Egg. East Egg houses the rich white citizens who inherited their money through the family. While West Egg consists of rich white people who earn their money. Gatsby lives in West Egg along with the narrator, Nick Carraway. While Gatsby’s love, Daisy, lives on the opposite side of the lake in East Egg with her husband, Tom Buchanan. As Gatsby attempts to win her affection he learns how insignificant money is without happiness. On the other end of the spectrum is A Raisin in the Sun. This book is about a family of five living in a small apartment. Mama has a dream of buying a house and when her husband passes away she can afford it with the life insurance money they receive. Walter and Beneatha are Mama’s children. Walter is unhappily married to Ruth and they have a son, Travis. Beneatha wants to be a doctor but there are always factors holding them back from their dreams. The family is African-American and in the lower class. Being in a lower class means not having as many opportunities. The character’s experiences and conflict themes are affected by their social classes in the books The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun.

Both novels have characters that differ in their attitudes based on their social class and experiences. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby lives a life of luxury in his mansion. Unfortunately, his earnings came from his family passing away and his good friend “Dan Cody” who gave him “twenty-five thousand dollars” after his death (Fitzgerald 100). He fills his home with strangers in loud parties to make up for his loneliness. As the story progresses, he pursues his lost love, Daisy. As lovely as she appears, she rejects him because her husband has more money than Gatsby could ever give to her, even though she truly loves him. All the characters in this book have shown carelessness. Gatsby’s dream of earning Daisy’s love also sends him off into being “a bootlegger” to earn money (Fitzgerald 61). Comparatively, Walter from A Raisin in the Sun has money problems but on a larger scale. Walter lives in the poor part of town and doesn’t have enough money to pay for his lunch. His family speaks broken English due to the lack of quality education and He soon signs up to give his father’s inheritance to his “friend” Willy. Mama gave Beneatha three thousand and Walter, three thousand five hundred. He later is told that it was a scam and he lost all of his money that he claimed was “MADE OF HIS FATHER’S FLESH” (Taco 85). As he struggles to go about his life he soon realizes that money can’t buy the love of his family, something that Gatsby would never have. Social classes caused Walter to suffer through each day, not knowing if he could provide for his family and being blind to the poverty tearing down his home. Contrastingly, Gatsby could never be happy, knowing that everything in his life is replaceable and he cannot buy joy but rather, anything of materialistic value.

Arising conflicts in the books is significant to the social class in which they take place and the way they are handled. In The Great Gatsby, the main conflict is the possible murder of Tom Buchanan’s mistress, Myrtle. Most cases of conflict could be solved with money, but even money can’t revive the dead. The death was caused by Gatsby’s car running her over. Daisy and Gatsby are both in the vehicle when the collision occurs and Gatsby claims Daisy ran her over but he would take the blame. One night, as Gatsby swam in his pool, Myrtle’s husband came and took his revenge on Gatsby. This is significant because it shows that no matter how much money you may have, you cannot stop death itself. Fortunately, Walter and Mama’s problems did not involve such fatal consequences. The conflict in A Raisin in the Sun is the lack of finances. Not having enough money causes tension between the family. Walter then loses six thousand dollars out of the ten thousand inherited by the family. Although this issue impacted their lives greatly, it never could take away the fact that they “came from people who had a lot of pride” and love for one another (Taco 100). Therefore, life in different social classes caused conflicts of differing natures. Both conflicts are important to the narrative of the story but the recurring theme is that living in a higher class provides a life of leisurely pleasure until serious matters come about and lower class life comes with many struggles but does not hinder the pursuit of happiness.

In summation, The character’s experiences, and conflict themes are affected by their social classes in the books The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun. The Authors of both novels successfully portrayed life in classes during the early to mid-1900s. Marx’s beliefs are deemed true when reading about the troubles most go through in each class. Characters in the book compare to each other even though they are in opposite classes. These characters are also influenced by the social classes through their experiences and differing conflicts.