Fantômas · Theme
Social Class and Morality
How Fantômas develops Social Class and Morality.
The narrative contrasts the wealthy aristocracy (Marquise de Langrune, Lady Beltham) with lower-class criminals and servants, questioning whether morality and respectability are tied to social standing.
Where it surfaces
- All for Honour
The trial draws a select crowd of local gentry and well-to-do citizens, reflecting class divisions and moral judgments.
- XIII: Thérèse’s Future
Thérèse's potential placement with Lady Beltham highlights class distinctions and the moral expectations of young women in high society.
- Among the Market Porters
The chapter contrasts Berthe's respectable nursing role with the rough, lower-class world of market porters and wineshops, highlighting class divisions and moral compromises.
- A Cup of Tea
Lady Beltham's insistence on charity without political discrimination and her objection to the under-steward's harshness reflect moral obligations tied to social class.