# Social Class and Appearance in The Story of Ivy

> Theme guide for The Story of Ivy by Marie Belloc Lowndes.

Characters are judged by their dress, manners, and connections, with Ivy's ability to maintain a facade of respectability and charm despite her sordid circumstances being a central tension.

## Where it surfaces

- [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/prologue): The characters judge Ivy based on her beauty and manners, revealing the importance of social appearance and class in their circle.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/xiii): Mr. Oram's old-fashioned disapproval of Ivy's makeup and nightlife contrasts with her need to maintain appearances as a respectable widow.
- [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/chapters/epilogue): The porter's secret admiration for 'pretty, pleasant-spoken Ivy' and his fear of losing his position underscore the class dynamics and the public's fascination with her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/themes/social_class_and_appearance
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_ivy_se/themes