Why Is Shakespeare Interacting With The Upper Class

The original complexities in a relationship are further strained by the appearance of divisions in class. Society divides people based on their class and wealth leaving those inferior perceived by themselves and others as not worthy of interacting with the upper class. When love comes into the equation the couple is challenged by this societal divide, which can overcome this obstacle if there is authentic relationship present. The problems societal norms, associated with class and wealth, inflict in a relationship is surprisingly impactful and each reacts with a unique response. These expectations society forces on people make class the determining factor in the success of all relationships and cause the feeling of inequality and insecurities …show more content…

The poem “Sonnet 29” by William Shakespeare shows how there are more important elements in life than status. Shakespeare views love as the answer to his feelings of doubt and lack of self worth. Shakespeare illustrates this internal struggle in his thoughts, “Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising...For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings”(Shakespeare 1). The thoughts of “despising” oneself highlights the flaws Shakespeare sees within himself brought on by his lack of fortune and his troubles in life. Society emphasizes one’s shortcomings and leaves people feeling unworthy of happiness, yet Shakespeare believes that love reacts inversely by allowing him to realize his value and alleviate the burdens in his life. This love that “wealth brings” unveils that love for another is a treasure in itself and allows for the beholder to feel all his troubles melt away. Likewise, Jane Austen creates the transition between Elizabeth’s feelings towards Mr.Darcy from disdain to love through her realization that he isn’t as obsessed with rank and keeping his pride. Elizabeth portrays this shift when she thinks, “Such a change in a man of so much pride exciting not only astonishment but gratitude--for to love, ardent love, it must be attributed; and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined. She respected, she esteemed, she …show more content…

In Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations, Pip’s epiphany on his way of life allows him to remember his upbringing filled with kindness and love while disregarding the current lifestyle of luxury and greed. Pip thinks about his life as a gentleman and experiences regret evident in his thoughts,“I used to think, with a weariness on my spirits, that I should have been happier and better if I had never seen Miss Havisham's face, and had risen to manhood content to be partners with Joe in the honest old forge”(Dickens 483). Pip’s ambition to be a prosperous man is fueled by his desire to follow the social norm and elevate his status beyond commoners like Joe, however due to this distraction of a desire for wealth Pip misses out on the great things life have to offer like a relationship with Joe. Pip decides to abandon his passion for being as successful as Mrs.Havisham and goes back to his roots to try to reconnect with his loved ones. Contrastingly, Pablo Neruda’s “Sonnet XVII” demonstrates the type of relationship that is impure and driven by pressure society placed in the difference of classes the lovers exhibit. he feels as though he is above his lover and would be embarrassed if they were caught together. He “loves her as dark things are loved” with “secrecy”(Neruda 5) illuminating the obvious disdain he feels about their relationship and how he