# How does The Luck of Barry Lyndon develop the theme of Class and Pedigree?

> The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray

## Answer

The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray develops Class and Pedigree across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The book satirizes the obsession with noble birth and genealogy, as Barry fabricates his lineage to gain entry into high society, while the aristocracy is portrayed as corrupt and gullible.

Barry's extensive boast about his noble lineage and the family's lost estates underscores the importance of birth and social standing.

Barry proudly displays his father's sword and pistols, emphasizing his family's noble lineage and gentlemanly status.

Barry's disdain for low company and his pride in his Barry lineage contrast with his forced association with common soldiers, highlighting class tensions.

## Evidence

- [i-my-pedigree-and-family-undergo-the-influence-of-the-tender-passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/i-my-pedigree-and-family-undergo-the-influence-of-the-tender-passion.md): Barry's extensive boast about his noble lineage and the family's lost estates underscores the importance of birth and social standing.
- [ii-i-show-myself-to-be-a-man-of-spirit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/ii-i-show-myself-to-be-a-man-of-spirit.md): Barry proudly displays his father's sword and pistols, emphasizing his family's noble lineage and gentlemanly status.
- [iv-in-which-barry-takes-a-near-view-of-military-glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/iv-in-which-barry-takes-a-near-view-of-military-glory.md): Barry's disdain for low company and his pride in his Barry lineage contrast with his forced association with common soldiers, highlighting class tensions.
- [vi-the-crimp-wagon-military-episodes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/vi-the-crimp-wagon-military-episodes.md): Barry is concerned about his social degradation as a private soldier, noting that no one from his acquaintance will witness his shame. The Prussian army's dismissal of non-noble officers in peacetime also touches on class.
- [vii-barry-leads-a-garrison-life-and-finds-many-friends-there](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/vii-barry-leads-a-garrison-life-and-finds-many-friends-there.md): Barry's pride in his gentlemanly birth contrasts with his role as a servant; he emphasizes his breeding to gain favor and maintain self-respect.
- [viii-barry-s-adieu-to-military-profession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/viii-barry-s-adieu-to-military-profession.md): The Chevalier laments the loss of the Barry family lands and the decline of their noble lineage.
- [ix-i-appear-in-a-manner-becoming-my-name-and-lineage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/ix-i-appear-in-a-manner-becoming-my-name-and-lineage.md): Barry asserts that play is an institution of chivalry, a privilege of gentlemen, and contrasts it with middle-class shopkeeper cant.
- [x-more-runs-of-luck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se/chapters/x-more-runs-of-luck.md): Barry emphasizes his own lineage (Ballybarry, King Brian Boru) while dismissing German nobility, yet relies on marriage to rise.

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_luck_of_barry_lyndon_se
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