Bennett seems to be showing alarming signs of irony. I have always found that irony among the lower orders is the first sign of an awakening social consciousness. It remains to be seen whether it will grow into an armed seizure of the means of production, distribution and exchange, or spend itself in liberal journalism.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Irony in lower classes signals rising social awareness that may turn political.
- In plain terms
- Joking around shows poor people are waking up to their power.
- What can you take from it?
- Watch for humor as a sign of social change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What signals social change in your area?
- Is humor a form of protest?
Another view
Irony does not always lead to political action.
More from Tom Stoppard
An essentially private man who wished his total indifference to public notice to be universally recognized.
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