The Problem of Definition

Abstract

The literature of social criticism is vast indeed — so vast, in fact, that even a brief consideration of all the writing that falls within this category in the period of time we have chosen for this study, would require a book of encyclopedic length. Better than asking what constitutes the literature of social criticism is the question of what is not comprised under that all-embracing rubric. Even those productions which we have classified under asocial literature and which seems to be remote from the life of social institutions or the play of politics prove, on closer examination, to be instinct with damaging social implications. As a matter of fact, politics encompasses all of life and is therefore inescapable. It is accordingly impossible as well as irresponsible, in the judgment of some critics, to stand apart from or above the battle. To remain non-political in a world that is full of conflict is to accept the world as it is; it is to renounce the idea that one is an active member of his society, who must bear the guilt for failure to do his part in shaping the world. Looked at in this light, all literature, however fantastic or mystical in content, is animated by a profound social concern, and this is true of even the most flagrant nihilistic work.