# Social Class and Marriage in Doctor Syn

> Theme guide for Doctor Syn by Russell Thorndike.

The conflict over Denis Cobtree's desire to marry Imogene, a barmaid and daughter of a hanged pirate, highlights class prejudices and the tension between romantic love and social standing.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/chapters/iv-the-captain): The captain's condescension toward Denis and the locals highlights class tensions between the naval officer and the Marsh gentry.
- [The Schoolmaster's Suit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/chapters/xvi-the-schoolmaster-s-suit): Mr. Rash's proposal to Imogene highlights the tension between social standing and marriage, as he offers to 'make her respectable' despite her low birth, while she rejects him for love and independence.
- [Doctor Syn Has a "Call"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/chapters/xxx-doctor-syn-has-a-call): The squire's objection to Denis marrying Imogene due to her lowly status as a bargirl contrasts with the revelation of her noble Incan lineage and wealth, highlighting class tensions.
- [A Military Lady-Killer Prepares for Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/chapters/xxxiv-a-military-lady-killer-prepares-for-battle): Mrs. Whyllie's matchmaking scheme for her wealthy niece highlights the era's preoccupation with marriage as a means of social advancement.
- [Scylla or Charybdis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/chapters/xxxv-scylla-or-charybdis): Imogene's escape with Denis and Mrs. Whyllie's plan to adopt her highlight the intersection of social standing and romantic union.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/themes/social_class_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/doctor_syn_se/themes