What social problems did William Makepeace Thackeray criticize in his novels?

William Makepeace Thackeray used his novels to analyze and critique the shortcomings of society, viewing moral commentary as a vital function of the novelist. Throughout his works, he consistently challenged the following social issues:1

• Snobbery: Thackeray frequently analyzed and deplored the pervasive nature of snobbery in contemporary life.1
• Hypocrisy and Vanity: He sought to expose the hypocrisy and vanity inherent in human behavior, famously stating in Vanity Fair that people are often "foolish and selfish" and "eager after vanities".12
• Worldly Considerations: In novels like The Newcomes, he criticized how worldly considerations and greed can thwart genuine human connections and happiness.2
• Human Frailty: Rather than relying on the melodramatic plots or exaggerated characterizations common among his peers, Thackeray preferred to depict the ambivalence of human motives, offering a dispassionate analysis of the "human condition" and the sorrows often attendant on love and ambition.132

By focusing on these themes, Thackeray aimed to provide a realistic, albeit often ironic, reflection of the society of his time.12