# How does The Cloven Foot develop the theme of Bohemianism vs. Respectability?

> The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon

## Answer

The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon develops Bohemianism vs. Respectability across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

John Treverton's past life as a Parisian artist and 'Jack Chicot' contrasts sharply with his later role as a country squire, highlighting the conflict between artistic freedom and the demands of respectable society.

The Chicots' extravagant, pleasure-seeking life contrasts sharply with the respectable, orderly habits of Mrs. Rawber, highlighting the tension between bohemian and conventional values.

Jack's life as a draughtsman and his wife's career as a ballet dancer contrast with his longing for respectability and a life free from scandal.

La Chicot's life as a dancer and the bohemian world of the theatre are contrasted with the domestic ideal.

## Evidence

- [iv-la-chicot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/iv-la-chicot.md): The Chicots' extravagant, pleasure-seeking life contrasts sharply with the respectable, orderly habits of Mrs. Rawber, highlighting the tension between bohemian and conventional values.
- [vi-la-chicot-has-her-own-way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/vi-la-chicot-has-her-own-way.md): Jack's life as a draughtsman and his wife's career as a ballet dancer contrast with his longing for respectability and a life free from scandal.
- [viii-days-that-are-over-dreams-that-are-done](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/viii-days-that-are-over-dreams-that-are-done.md): La Chicot's life as a dancer and the bohemian world of the theatre are contrasted with the domestic ideal.
- [xiv-you-have-but-to-say-the-word](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xiv-you-have-but-to-say-the-word.md): La Chicot's reckless, bohemian lifestyle contrasts with the offers of a respectable house in Mayfair from Lemuel.
- [xv-edward-clare-discovers-a-likeness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xv-edward-clare-discovers-a-likeness.md): The contrast between Laura's secluded, respectable life at Hazlehurst and Chicot's Bohemian existence in London is emphasized.
- [xvii-murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xvii-murder.md): The lodging house inhabitants include a tragic actress and a woman of questionable habits, contrasting with the respectable horror of murder.
- [xxv-the-children-s-party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxv-the-children-s-party.md): Edward describes the suspicious man as a 'London Bohemian' and a swindler, contrasting the respectable setting of the children's party with the disreputable underworld of London.
- [xxvii-desrolles-is-not-communicative](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxvii-desrolles-is-not-communicative.md): Desrolles is transformed by money from a shabby pauper into a confident Bohemian, contrasting with Edward Clare's settled, respectable life. The tension between artistic freedom and social propriety is evident.

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