# Thomas Carlyle — The Condition of the Working Class in England character guide

> Thomas Carlyle in The Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Carlyle

**First appearance:** 0002-the-condition-of-the-working-class-in-england

## Who they are

A contemporary writer and social commentator, referenced for his views.

## Relationships

### [The Irish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/characters/the_irish)

_psychological_

Thomas Carlyle's writings on the Irish condition influence and reflect the Irish workers' sense of alienation.

### [The English](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/characters/the_english)

_psychological_

Thomas Carlyle's critiques of industrial society resonate with and shape the English workers' self-perception.

## In the story

### [Irish Immigration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/chapters/irish-immigration)

Quoted at length for his vivid and critical description of the Irish as 'the sorest evil' and a 'ready-made nucleus of degradation and disorder.'

### [The Attitude of the Bourgeoisie Towards the Proletariat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/chapters/the-attitude-of-the-bourgeoisie-towards-the-proletariat)

Carlyle is quoted on 'Cash Payment' as the only nexus between man and man, and on the need to organize labour.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced for his work 'Chartism' and commentary on workers' rebellion.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/characters/thomas_carlyle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_condition_of_the_working_class_in_england_se/characters