OPTION #1: Literary Analysis of Social Darwinism

a. Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism was the application of Charles Darwin's scientific theories of evolution and natural selection to contemporary social development. In nature, only the fittest survived—so too in the marketplace. This form of justification was enthusiastically adopted by many American businessmen as scientific proof of their superiority.
Learn more about this controversial issue here
http://www.allaboutscience.org/what-is-social-darwinism-faq.htm

b. The Political Economist and the Tramp

by. Philips Thompson, 1878

Walking along a country road,
While yet the morning air was damp,
As unreflecting, on I strode,
I marked approach the frequent tramp.
The haggard, ragged careworn man
Accosted me with plaintive tone,
"I must have food-" he straight began;
"Vile miscreant," I cried, "begone!
Tis contrary to every rule
That I my fellows should assist;
I'm of the scientific school,
Political economist.

Dost thou know, deluded one,
What Adam Smith has clearly proved,
That 'tis self-interest alone
by which the wheels of life are moved?
This competition is the law
By which we either live or die;
I've no demand thy labor for,
Why, then, should I thy wants supply?
And Herbert Spencer's active brain
Shows how the social struggle ends;
The weak die out the strong remain;
'Tis this that nature's plan intends.
Now really 'tis absurd of you
To think I'd interfere at all;
Just grasp the scientific view,
The weakest must go to the wall."
Read the poem here:
http://caho-test.cc.columbia.edu/dbq/11021.html

c. The topic of Social Darwinism easily relates to this meaningful poem written by Philips Thompson. The poem states...

As unreflecting, on I strode,
I marked approach the frequent tramp.
The haggard, ragged careworn man
Accosted me with plaintive tone,
"I must have food-" he straight began;
"Vile miscreant," I cried, "begone!
Tis contrary to every rule
That I my fellows should assist;
I'm of the scientific school,
Political economist.

From this stanza you can tell that Thompson is being sarcastic. You can easily grasp where he stands on the issue of Social Darwinism. He does not agree with it and though his tone is questioning it rings dark and serious. From the first stanza I can feel his passion coursing through his words. I can see that he thinks of the political economist or those who support Social Darwinism as emotionless with no feelings towards others. No compassion.

That 'tis self-interest alone
by which the wheels of life are moved?
This competition is the law
By which we either live or die;
I've no demand thy labor for,
Why, then, should I thy wants supply?

He believes that Social Darwinism is run through self interest and he questions whether Social Darwinism makes the rules. There are no laws or reason just self interest and competition. Competition to survive and conquer. This stanza is very thought provoking and leads you into questioning your own beliefs. The difference between right and wrong, power and cruelty.

Shows how the social struggle ends;
The weak die out the strong remain;
'Tis this that nature's plan intends.
Now really 'tis absurd of you
To think I'd interfere at all;
Just grasp the scientific view,
The weakest must go to the wall."

He once again questions the ending of it all? How strong are your values? Shall the weak die while the strong remain? Is it what nature wants? Where do you stand? Of course from the point of view of a political economist the strong will conquer. Think about it scientifically. It always was “survival of the fittest”! What Thompson is getting at is of this very question question “ Do you have a heart? Or is the world simply heartless?” He leaves his poem open in order to let the reader have a say and make a decision. Through his poem he seems to be partially addressing nature. Is the world a place run under no motives except greed and power? Or is there something finer, something much more beautiful inside us all?