The Necromancers · Question
How does The Necromancers develop the theme of Class and Snobbery?
Answer
The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson develops Class and Snobbery across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Social hierarchies are evident in Mrs. Baxter's disdain for Amy's grocer background and Baptist faith, and in the characters' preoccupations with propriety and social standing.
Mrs. Baxter's disapproval of Amy's lower-class background and her relief at Amy's death highlight class tensions.
Mrs. Stapleton's condescending attitude toward orthodox Christianity and her fascination with the 'psychical atmosphere' of Stantons reflects social pretensions.
Mrs. Baxter's pride and her view of the Vicar's wife reflect class distinctions within the church and society.
Evidence in the book
- I
Mrs. Baxter's disapproval of Amy's lower-class background and her relief at Amy's death highlight class tensions.
- I
Mrs. Stapleton's condescending attitude toward orthodox Christianity and her fascination with the 'psychical atmosphere' of Stantons reflects social pretensions.
- II
Mrs. Baxter's pride and her view of the Vicar's wife reflect class distinctions within the church and society.
- II
Maggie's internal reasoning about love and her perception of Laurie as not being a 'spotless hero' touches on social expectations and class distinctions.
- I
Mrs. Baxter's serene dismissal of the matter and her focus on trivialities like teacups reflect a certain upper-class complacency.
- II
Morton's astonishment that a respectable solicitor like Cathcart could believe in spiritualism reflects class-based assumptions about rationality and education.
- III
Lady Laura's social position and her dismissal of Cathcart's warnings reflect class dynamics and the influence of a charismatic figure.
- I
The servants' attitudes toward the séances and their participants reflect class distinctions, with the upper servants looking down on Mrs. Stapleton and questioning Mr. Baxter's involvement.
