The Moonstone · Question
How does The Moonstone develop the theme of Class and Social Hierarchy?
Answer
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins develops Class and Social Hierarchy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The story highlights rigid Victorian class distinctions, from the house-steward Betteredge to the servants like Rosanna Spearman, and shows how social position influences trust, suspicion, and the ability to control one's own narrative.
The chapter establishes the social order through Betteredge's role as a steward and his deference to Lady Verinder.
Betteredge's narrative highlights the rigid class structure, from his service as a pageboy to his promotion to steward, and the deference shown to Lady Verinder.
Betteredge's suspicion of the jugglers due to their 'superior manners' and his role as steward reflect class distinctions and the protection of domestic order.
Evidence in the book
- First Period: The Loss of the Diamond (1848)
The chapter establishes the social order through Betteredge's role as a steward and his deference to Lady Verinder.
- II
Betteredge's narrative highlights the rigid class structure, from his service as a pageboy to his promotion to steward, and the deference shown to Lady Verinder.
- III
Betteredge's suspicion of the jugglers due to their 'superior manners' and his role as steward reflect class distinctions and the protection of domestic order.
- IV
Rosanna's past as a thief and her position as a housemaid highlight the rigid class distinctions and the difficulty of social reintegration.
- V
The Colonel's family and society shun him, illustrating the rigid social codes and the power of reputation.
- VII
Betteredge's dismissal of Rosanna's feelings as absurd highlights the rigid class distinctions: a housemaid with a deformity falling in love with a gentleman is deemed laughable.
- Chapter VIII
Betteredge contrasts the idleness of the gentry with the duties of servants, highlighting class distinctions and the limited agency of characters like Rosanna.
- Chapter IX
Betteredge's commentary on the servants' hall and his comparison of his annual speech to the Queen's opening of Parliament highlights the structured social order and the parallel between domestic and political governance.
