Cruel Meritocracy in 21st-Century U.S. Literary Narratives: An Introduction

Key Points

• Meritocracy shapes perceptions of success in U.S. literature, revealing societal inequalities.
• 21st-century narratives often critique the illusions of meritocracy, with notable examples throughout.
• The introduction analyzes the role of literary narratives in reflecting and challenging social ideologies.
• Understanding meritocracy in literature opens discussions on broader societal issues and cultural contexts.