# Class and Social Mobility in The Talleyrand Maxim

> Theme guide for The Talleyrand Maxim by J. S. Fletcher.

The book explores the rigid class structure of early 20th-century England, contrasting the wealthy Mallathorpes with the struggling clerk Pratt, who seeks to transform himself from a 'mulberry leaf' into 'satin' through cunning.

## Where it surfaces

- [II: In Trust](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters/ii-in-trust): Pratt, a clerk, envies the Mallathorpes' wealth and sees the will as a chance to rise above his station.
- [IV: The Fortunate Possessors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters/iv-the-fortunate-possessors): The Mallathorpes' sudden wealth contrasts with their previous lives; Nesta and Harper struggle with their new idle status.
- [Until Next Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters/ix-until-next-spring): Collingwood's inheritance of £25,000 and Eldrick's advice to marry into wealth highlight the role of money in social advancement.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/themes/class_and_social_mobility
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/themes