The Necromancers · Theme
Class and Snobbery
How The Necromancers develops Class and Snobbery.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.
- II
The Nugents' servant is portrayed as superstitious, while the couple attempts to maintain a rational, respectable facade.
- V
Mr. Nugent's musings about his daughter's marriage to the young squire highlight class aspirations and social climbing.