Social Novels

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at examples of social novels and how the writers used these reflections as a method of critique and to suggest ways to change. The novels referred to in the paper include George Orwell's "1984"; George Orwell's "Animal Farm"; John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath";and Joseph Heller's "Catch-22". The paper concludes that the unifying thread in all these social novels is their reflection of reality.

From the Paper:

"Joseph Heller's novel has more in common with Orwell's writings than with Steinbeck. Unlike Steinbeck, who strove for a hyper-realism in The Grapes of Wrath, Heller's Catch-22 uses satire to chronicles the futility and ultimate dehumanization of war. While stationed in the fictional Mediterranean island of Pianosa, Air Force soldier John Yossarian participates in several brutal and dangerous operations, where his men die not for their country, but to obtain good aerial pictures of the exploding targets. Disgusted that his life is constantly in danger for nothing, Yossarian vows to survive this pointless war at all costs. He thus spends much of his time faking illness and devising ways to be sent home."

More papers on Social Novels:

• Analytical Essay # 55304 : "Nineteenth Century Novels"
• Comparison Essay # 48793 : "Social Protest Novels"
• Analytical Essay # 9908 : "Slavery Novels"

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