The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane · Question
How does The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane develop the theme of Social Class and Inequality?
Answer
The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane by Mark Rutherford develops Social Class and Inequality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book explores the vast chasm between the ruling classes and the working poor, depicting the suffering of the Blanketeers, the corruption of the workhouse, and the futile struggles of reformers against a system that crushes the lower classes.
The chapter contrasts the domestic comfort of the Colemans with the misery of the Major's lodgings, and discusses the economic exploitation of the poor through taxes and rents.
The chapter highlights the intolerable conditions of the working classes in 1816, with rising wheat prices, incendiarism, and the proposal of a march of the unemployed on London.
The overseer and parson's cruel treatment of the starving weaver; the impossibility of decent illness for the poor.
Evidence in the book
- Outside Pike Street
The chapter contrasts the domestic comfort of the Colemans with the misery of the Major's lodgings, and discusses the economic exploitation of the poor through taxes and rents.
- Disintegration by Degrees
The chapter highlights the intolerable conditions of the working classes in 1816, with rising wheat prices, incendiarism, and the proposal of a march of the unemployed on London.
- XIII: To the Greeks Foolishness
The overseer and parson's cruel treatment of the starving weaver; the impossibility of decent illness for the poor.
- XVI: Cowfold
The description of the town's social hierarchy, from the Hall and vicarage to the shops and the pump, illustrates class distinctions.
- XVII: When Wilt Thou Arise Out of Thy Sleep? Yet a Little Sleep
Mrs. Broad's disdain for Cowfold and her desire for Thomas to attain a higher social standing through the ministry reflect class distinctions within the Dissenting community.
- A Religious Picnic
The Broad family maintains strict social distance from the congregation; Mrs. Broad considers any alliance with a tradesman's son unthinkable, akin to a princess marrying a knight.
- XXI: The Wisdom of the Serpent
The tension between the Broad family's ministerial aspirations and the Allens' trade background highlights class distinctions and the negotiation of social standing through marriage.
- Mr. Broad's Last Church Meeting—Latimer Chapel
The Allens' political activism and the church's disciplinary action highlight class tensions, and the eventual emigration to America reflects a desire to escape social limitations.
