Isolation and Self-Governance

The remote Ridge community governs itself by popular custom and a code of freedom, resisting external authority and corporate control, valuing leisure and independence over wage labor.

The funeral on the plains and the mother's wish for Sophie to grow up in the quiet of the Ridge emphasize the isolated, self-contained community.

The Ridge as a self-contained world where Michael and the community try to manage their own affairs.

The Ridge's self-contained society, with its own gossip and norms, is highlighted through Mrs. Watty Frost's prejudices and the miners' discussions.

The Ridge operates as a self-governing entity, with popular custom and opinion at Newton's bar serving as the seat of government, and external laws respected or disregarded as the community sees fit.