The Bald Soprano is often said to be a satire of the English middle class. Ionesco admitted that the play was definitely intended to skewer the emptiness of bourgeois (middle-class) lifestyle. The playwright did say, however, that the only reason the play is set in England is because he was inspired to write it while learning English. So, in a way, the play isn't just skewering the English middle class, but the middle class in every country everywhere. On top of exposing meaninglessness of bourgeois lifestyle, the play also exposes middle-class snobbery towards both the working class and foreigners.
Questions About Society and Class
- What are some examples of classism (discrimination based on class) in the play?
- To which level of society does each character belong?
- Is the play a relevant satire for the middle class of today?
Chew on This
The Bald Soprano satirizes not only the English middle class, but the middle class of all societies.
The play exposes the tensions between the lower and middle classes.