Social Class and Aspiration

The narrative explores class consciousness through Mary's shame at her mother being a charwoman, her lies about her mother's occupation, and the mother's fierce pride and resentment toward employers and authority figures like the policeman.

The mother's scorn for 'mean, ugly days' and her detailed fantasies of wealth highlight the desperate aspiration to escape poverty.

The policeman's learned conversation and Mary's awe reflect class and educational differences, as well as her aspiration to appear proper.

Mrs. Makebelieve's dreams of wealth through Patrick and emigration reflect aspirations to escape poverty.

Mary's lie about her mother being a dressmaker reflects her desire to appear higher in social class.