# Class Conflict in The Black Gang

> Theme guide for The Black Gang by H. C. McNeile.

The book portrays a stark divide between the upper-class heroes and the working-class or foreign agitators, with the former seeing themselves as defenders of a threatened social order.

## Where it surfaces

- [I: In Which Things Happen Near Barking Creek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/i-in-which-things-happen-near-barking-creek): The leader's disdain for the 'loathsome brood' and his treatment of the clerks and Jews highlight class and ethnic tensions.
- [In Which Hugh Drummond Composes a Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/iii-in-which-hugh-drummond-composes-a-letter): The contrast between Hugh's aristocratic background and Lady Manton's social climbing underscores class tensions.
- [In Which Count Zadowa Gets a Shock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/iv-in-which-count-zadowa-gets-a-shock): The Count's plan to incite unemployed workers in Sheffield highlights the class tensions of the era.
- [In Which Charles Latter, M.P., Goes Mad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/v-in-which-charles-latter-m-p-goes-mad): Latter's plot to blow up a power station would throw thousands of workers out of employment, highlighting the divide between the ruling class and the working poor.
- [XI: In Which Hugh Drummond and the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor Take Lunch Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/xi-in-which-hugh-drummond-and-the-reverend-theodosius-longmoor-take-lunch-together): The tension between the upper-class characters and the criminal underworld, as well as the use of wealth and privilege, is evident.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/themes/class_conflict
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_black_gang_se/themes