Social Class and Identity

Where it surfaces

• Fisherman Davy a Fish Out of Water

  Davy contrasts his humble origins and lack of education with the wealthy patron and the 'cleverest hand at a bait,' reflecting on class and his place in society.

• The Fish Are as Hungry as He Is

  Davy's conflict with Evan Thomas over fishing rights highlights tensions between commoners and local landowners.

• Finds a Home of Some Sort

  The contrast between Bardie's refined cleanliness and the rough, impoverished setting of Sker-Grange underscores class distinctions.

• VIII: Children Will Be Children

  Davy speculates on Bardie's high birth based on her dress and speech, and considers the potential reward for restoring her, reflecting class distinctions.

• The Coroner and the Coronet

  The coroner's treatment of the dead is dictated by race and class: he refuses to sit on black men but eagerly takes the case of a white infant with a coronet.

• In Accordance with the Evidence

  Bardie's noble lineage is inferred from her refined behavior and the coronet mark on the baby's pinafore, influencing how she is treated.

• XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well

  Davy's pride in his Welsh heritage and his resentment of the Scottish fisherman Sandy Macraw reflect class and regional identity tensions.

• For a Little Change of Air

  The children's attention to clothes and Davy's concern for Bardie's station highlight class and domestic propriety.

• XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law

  Davy's concern with being called 'old' and his pleasure at being addressed as 'Mr. Llewellyn' by Lady Bluett highlight his sensitivity to social status and respectability.

• XXI: Cross-Examination

  Davy's interactions with the magistrates highlight class tensions: he resents being bullied by Stew but responds positively to Sir Philip's gentlemanly demeanor, showing how class shapes his reactions.

• Another Disappointment

  Davy's interactions with Justice Stew and Sir Philip highlight class tensions, as Stew mocks Davy while Sir Philip shows condescending kindness.

• Into Good Society

  Bardie's innate grace and manners suggest noble birth, contrasting with her current life among common folk, and the gentry's recognition of her quality.

• A Long Goodbye

  Davy's concern about his 'degradation' from naval captain to merchant mate and the villagers' mixed perceptions of his 'rise in life' explore class and status.

• XXVI: Braunton Burrows

  Davy asserts his authority as mate over the crew, reflecting class and rank dynamics aboard the ship.

• A Fine Spectacle

  Davy contrasts the gentility of the two parsons with Welsh clergy, highlighting class distinctions.

• XXVIII: Something About Him

  The chapter explores power dynamics between the gentry, clergy, and common folk, with Chowne exerting control over all classes, including justices and bishops.

• XXXII: Among the Savages

  Davy's interactions in the kitchen highlight class dynamics, as he uses his worldly knowledge to charm the maids, while Chowne's treatment of him underscores the power imbalance between a wealthy parson and a poor fisherman.

• A Fine Old Gentleman

  Davy's interactions with Sir Philip highlight class distinctions, as Davy navigates his role as a common ferryman while being treated with courtesy by the nobleman.

• Forcible Ejectment

  Davy's low valuation (ten pounds reward) contrasts with his self-worth; class tensions between the gentry and common folk.

• One Who Has Interred Himself

  Davy's pride in his Welsh heritage and his interaction with Sir Philip illustrate class dynamics and personal identity.

• Triple Education

  The contrast between Bardie's plain dress and the finery at Candleston, and the taunts of other children about her parentage, highlight class distinctions and social identity.

• Great March of Intellect

  Davy's disdain for the 'lower lot of Nonconformists' and his treatment of Bunny highlight class distinctions and the struggle for social order.

• LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'

  Davy reflects on his own rise through merit, contrasting with the aristocratic concerns of lineage and inheritance.