The actions and decisions of characters in a piece of literature are often influenced by the society in which they exist. Society influences the decisions of characters not only through the presence and opinions of the other characters but also through the conditions, prejudices and rules inherent in the novel or play’s society. Writers often focus on how the characters are effected by the hierarchicall aspect of society. They show how authority figures can change the character’s views and decisions. Many writers consider the conflict that occurs between love and society. Many writers also explore a character’s assertion of their individuality from their society. Ultimately, a writer’s exploration of the relationship between the individual and society culminates in the author exploring whether a majority viewpoint is better than that of the individual.
In every society there is a hierarchy. This is when characters are put in a certain graded order.
The use of this hierarchy is to create a clear sense of authority. This sense of authority brings stability to the society creating a sense of order. Take Shakespeare’s Venetian tragedy “Othello.” From the start we see Othello as a strong authority figure. We are
The use of society’s presence to influence characters is employed by writers in many ways. The society around a character can influence them to do things that are uncharacteristic of them, as in the case of Othello. Society’s presence can also repress characters, hiding their individuality. E.M Forster’s Lucy Honeychurch shrugs away from life. Surrounded by “chaperones” she finds it hard to follow her heart. Arthur Miller’s John Proctor is an individual who lives life by his own rules and not society’s. He dies to protect his individuality because of his belief that his individuality is who he is. Miller uses the story of John Proctor’s sacrifice to teach us that society’s influence should not negotiate our individuality. The perpetual conflict between individual and society is a recurrent motif throughout literature.
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