Fred Gross Stories · Theme
Social Status and Class Anxiety
How Fred Gross Stories develops Social Status and Class Anxiety.
Fred and Grace are deeply concerned with their social standing in their new community. They join a golf club, print calling cards with Fred's job title, and try to make friends with the 'right people,' while simultaneously feeling snubbed by neighbors like the Hamiltons and Carpenters, leading to petty feuds and attempts to one-up each other.
Where it surfaces
- Welcome to Our City
Grace's social calls and the mix-up with Fred's detective cards highlight anxieties about social standing and how they are perceived by neighbors.
- The Last Laugh
Fred's concern about being snubbed by the Hamiltons and Carpenters highlights the anxiety over social standing in the community.
- Uncivil War
Fred's observations about Mrs. Martin's dress and the social dynamics of the neighborhood reflect class consciousness.
- Fore!
Fred's desire to join the country club to be among the 'right people' and his pride in winning the cup reflect his concern with social standing.