# Provincial vs. Urban Life in The Cloven Foot

> Theme guide for The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon.

The story contrasts the idyllic, gossip-ridden Devonshire village of Hazlehurst with the corrupt, vibrant world of London and Paris, where characters like Edward Clare and John Treverton seek fortune or escape.

## Where it surfaces

- [XXIII: “In the Meanwhile the Skies ’Gan Rumble Sore”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xxiii-in-the-meanwhile-the-skies-gan-rumble-sore): Edward contrasts the dull but familiar Devonshire village life with the smoke-tainted, greedy streets of London, finding comfort in being 'somebody' in the country.
- [An Old Lady's Diary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xliii-an-old-lady-s-diary): The contrast between Laura's childhood at the cottage in Chiswick and the oppressive, monumental atmosphere of her aunt's London house is highlighted.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/themes/provincial_vs_urban_life
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/themes