# Class and Labor Exploitation in Dark Princess

> Theme guide for Dark Princess by W. E. B. Du Bois.

Matthew's descent from aspiring doctor to scullion on a ship highlights the brutal conditions of menial labor, where workers are pitted against each other by race and class, and the wealthy treat them as entertainment.

## Where it surfaces

- [Part I: The Exile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dark_princess_se/chapters/part-i-the-exile): Matthew's speech about his grandfather being a slave and his mother plowing for a living underscores the intersection of race and class exploitation. The discussion of Moscow's reports on Negro education and property also touches on labor and economic struggle.
- [Part III: The Chicago Politician](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dark_princess_se/chapters/part-iii-the-chicago-politician): The labor delegation's pledge demands that Matthew vote for the poor and workers against the rich and capitalists, highlighting class conflict and the exploitation of labor.
- [Part IV: The Maharajah of Bwodpur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dark_princess_se/chapters/part-iv-the-maharajah-of-bwodpur): Kautilya's experience as a servant and Matthew's work as a laborer highlight the harsh realities of class and labor exploitation. The chapter critiques the economic system that forces them into menial roles.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dark_princess_se/themes/class_and_labor_exploitation
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dark_princess_se/themes