# What Class and Social Mobility means in Robbery Under Arms

> The book examines class distinctions in colonial Australia, with characters like Starlight (a fallen gentleman) and the Marstons (bush natives) navigating a society where wealth and status can be gained or lost through crime or luck.

## Explanation

The book examines class distinctions in colonial Australia, with characters like Starlight (a fallen gentleman) and the Marstons (bush natives) navigating a society where wealth and status can be gained or lost through crime or luck.

Father's admiration for Starlight as a 'gentleman' despite his criminal life reflects the colonial Australian fascination with class and the perceived natural superiority of the educated elite.

Dick contrasts the struggles of poor farmers with the resources of wealthy squatters, highlighting class inequality in the colony.

Mr. Falkland represents the possibility of improvement through hard work, but Dick is skeptical that the upper class will share opportunities.

The encounter between Miss Falkland, a wealthy landowner's daughter, and Jim Marston, a shearer, highlights class boundaries and moments of cross-class kindness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/concepts/cos-class-and-social-mobility
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se
- All concepts: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/robbery_under_arms_se/concepts