Class and Bohemianism

The narrative contrasts the rigid, moneyed world of the Bannisters with the free-spirited, bohemian artist community Kirk inhabits, exploring themes of snobbery, belonging, and the value of unconventional lifestyles.

Kirk is an artist with a private income, living in a studio with a servant, representing a bohemian yet comfortable lifestyle.

Kirk's studio serves as a gathering place for a bohemian crowd, including impecunious artists and friends like Hank Jardine and Steve Dingle, contrasting with conventional married life.

The contrast between the Bannisters' wealthy, conventional lifestyle and Kirk's bohemian artist circle is highlighted, with Bailey viewing Kirk as a 'scrubby dauber' unworthy of his sister.

Bailey's outrage at Ruth marrying a 'nobody' contrasts with the bohemian world of Kirk's studio and Mrs. Porter's intellectualism.