# Social Class and Morality in Fantômas

> Theme guide for Fantômas by Pierre Souvestre.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/xiii-th-r-se-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/xvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/xx-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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/themes/social_class_and_morality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/themes