What Is to Be Done? · Question
How does What Is to Be Done? develop the theme of Critique of Bourgeois Society?
Answer
What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky develops Critique of Bourgeois Society across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book condemns the greed, hypocrisy, and moral corruption of the upper classes and the merchant milieu, as seen in Vera's mother's scheming and the empty lives of the wealthy.
The author scolds the public for its mental helplessness and lack of critical thinking, reflecting a critique of societal norms.
Marya Alekséyevna's mercenary approach to marriage and social advancement critiques the bourgeois values of the time.
Marya Alekséyevna's cynical advice to 'steal and cheat' exposes the moral compromises required to thrive in contemporary society.
Evidence in the book
- III: Preface
The author scolds the public for its mental helplessness and lack of critical thinking, reflecting a critique of societal norms.
- Part I: The Life of Viéra Pavlovna in Her Parents’ Family
Marya Alekséyevna's mercenary approach to marriage and social advancement critiques the bourgeois values of the time.
- I
Marya Alekséyevna's cynical advice to 'steal and cheat' exposes the moral compromises required to thrive in contemporary society.
- II
Julie's outburst condemns the hypocrisy and moral corruption of the aristocratic men who treat women as objects to be bought and sold.
- III
Marya Alekséyevna's mercenary matchmaking and Storeshnikof's dishonorable behavior critique bourgeois values.
- IV
Marya Alekséyevna's mercenary attitude and her initial willingness to overlook Storeshnikof's behavior for financial gain illustrate the corrupting influence of bourgeois values.
- Chapter V
Julie's pragmatic advice to Storeshnikof about marrying Vera for social and career advancement exposes the transactional nature of marriage in aristocratic circles.
- VI
Julie's warning that society and idleness breed abomination, and her confession of being corrupted by luxury and dependence.
