# How does The Maid of Sker develop the theme of Class Mobility and Ambition?

> The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore

## Answer

The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore develops Class Mobility and Ambition across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Davy's constant striving for status, money, and recognition, along with Bardie's potential rise from castaway to heiress, illustrate the possibilities and limits of social climbing in a stratified society.

Davy's fall from able-bodied seaman to a poor fisherman highlights themes of economic struggle and the need to work to survive.

Davy's determination to sell his fish at a good price and his pride in his salesmanship reflect his ambition to improve his station through cleverness and hard work.

Bardie's recitation of a polite greeting and her awareness of social rank hint at her upper-class background.

## Evidence

- [ii-hunger-drives-him-a-fishing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/ii-hunger-drives-him-a-fishing.md): Davy's fall from able-bodied seaman to a poor fisherman highlights themes of economic struggle and the need to work to survive.
- [xii-how-to-sell-fish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xii-how-to-sell-fish.md): Davy's determination to sell his fish at a good price and his pride in his salesmanship reflect his ambition to improve his station through cleverness and hard work.
- [xx-confidential-intercourse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xx-confidential-intercourse.md): Bardie's recitation of a polite greeting and her awareness of social rank hint at her upper-class background.
- [xxiv-sound-investments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxiv-sound-investments.md): Davy's establishment of a fishing partnership for the children's money reflects his ambition to improve their fortunes through investment and industry.
- [xxix-a-visit-to-a-parson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxix-a-visit-to-a-parson.md): Davy's willingness to take on the spying job for money reflects his ambition and desire to improve his station, even if it involves morally questionable work.
- [xxxv-the-polite-ferryman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxv-the-polite-ferryman.md): Davy's entrepreneurial spirit in setting up a ferry and his aspirations for a better life for Bunny.
- [xxxvi-under-fairer-auspices](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxvi-under-fairer-auspices.md): Davy's interaction with Miss Carey shows his ambition to improve his station through service and integrity, while she offers him a salary and a gun.
- [xxxix-notice-to-quit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxix-notice-to-quit.md): Davy's dreams of owning a public house and training Bunny as a barmaid reflect his aspirations for upward mobility, which are dashed by the failure of his ferry business.

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