The Man in Lower Ten · Question
How does The Man in Lower Ten develop the theme of Class, Wealth, and Social Standing?
Answer
The Man in Lower Ten by Mary Roberts Rinehart develops Class, Wealth, and Social Standing across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The story contrasts the comfortable, prosaic life of the lawyer-narrator with the desperate motives of poorer characters like Sullivan, whose marriage to an heiress is thwarted by her wealthy father.
The contrast between the wealthy John Gilmore, a millionaire industrialist, and the gritty industrial landscape of Pittsburg highlights themes of class and prosperity.
Sullivan's fall from grace—from marriage to an heiress to doing 'dirty work' for Bronson—highlights class anxiety.
Evidence in the book
- I Go to Pittsburg
The contrast between the wealthy John Gilmore, a millionaire industrialist, and the gritty industrial landscape of Pittsburg highlights themes of class and prosperity.
- XXX: Finer Details
Sullivan's fall from grace—from marriage to an heiress to doing 'dirty work' for Bronson—highlights class anxiety.
