# Social Class and Ostracism in The Titan

> Theme guide for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

Cowperwood and his wife Aileen face relentless social exclusion from Chicago's elite due to his criminal past and her perceived vulgarity, highlighting the rigid hierarchies and hypocrisies of high society, where wealth alone cannot buy acceptance.

## Where it surfaces

- [The New Queen of the Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/vi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/x-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xiv-undercurrents): The Cowperwoods face continued social exclusion in Chicago, forcing them into a circle of minor artists and actors.
- [A Supper Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xl-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/li-the-revival-of-hattie-starr): Mrs. Carter's past as 'Hattie Starr' threatens her social standing and Berenice's prospects.
- [Behind the Arras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/themes/social_class_and_ostracism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/themes