Social Class and Ostracism

Where it surfaces

• The New Queen of the Home

  Aileen's anxiety about fitting into Chicago society and Cowperwood's caution about pushing social exchange too far reflect the precariousness of their social standing.

• In Search of Victory

  Aileen feels excluded by Chicago's elite, exemplified by Mrs. Merrill's disdain, highlighting the rigid class barriers even for the wealthy.

• A Test

  The Cowperwoods' lavish party is a bid for social acceptance, but they face veiled slights and critical observation, revealing the barriers of class and the precariousness of their position.

• The Fruits of Daring

  The Cowperwoods face social rejection from Chicago's elite due to their showy display and Cowperwood's tainted reputation.

• XIII: The Die Is Cast

  The Cowperwoods are systematically excluded from Chicago society after their scandalous past is revealed, illustrating the rigid enforcement of social boundaries.

• Undercurrents

  The Cowperwoods face continued social exclusion in Chicago, forcing them into a circle of minor artists and actors.

• A Supper Party

  Aileen's yearning for acceptance in high society is evident as she revels in being the center of attention, yet her position remains precarious due to her past and marital status.

• A Trip to Louisville

  Hattie Starr's fall from aristocratic Virginia-Kentucky society to keeper of a house of ill repute illustrates the fragility of social standing and the threat of ostracism.

• The Revival of Hattie Starr

  Mrs. Carter's past as 'Hattie Starr' threatens her social standing and Berenice's prospects.

• Behind the Arras

  Berenice fears poverty and ostracism after learning her family's wealth comes from Cowperwood; she reflects on the superficiality of society.

• LX: The Net

  Berenice experiences the cruel mechanics of social exclusion as rumors about her mother's past close doors, forcing her to reconsider her place in society.