# Class and Social Hierarchy in The Woman in White

> Theme guide for The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.

Class distinctions shape characters' fates, as seen in Walter Hartright's position as a drawing teacher, the Fairlies' aristocratic status, and the vulnerability of lower-class women like Anne Catherick to institutional abuse.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii): Walter is to be treated on the footing of a gentleman at Limmeridge House, highlighting the social status of a drawing master in a wealthy household.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vi): Marian notes the economic disparity between herself and Laura, reflecting class distinctions within the family.
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/vii): Mr. Fairlie's condescending treatment of Walter and his disdain for the local gentry highlight class distinctions and the precarious social position of an artist in Victorian society.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ix): Walter's position as a hired drawing master makes his love for Laura socially impossible, highlighting the rigid class divisions of Victorian society.
- [The Summerhouse Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/x): Marian spares Walter the humiliation of discussing social inequalities, yet the class divide between Walter and Laura is central to the conflict.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xiv): The power imbalance between Sir Percival (a baronet) and Anne (a poor woman) is central to the suspicion about her confinement.
- [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/xv): Walter's position as a drawing-master creates an insurmountable barrier between him and Laura, a theme reinforced by Mr. Gilmore's condescending remarks about 'romantic' versus 'practical' views.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i): Sir Percival's mention of Mrs. Catherick's 'respectable station' and his patronage of her family highlight class distinctions and obligations.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii): The detailed discussion of inheritance, settlements, and property rights underscores the class-based power structures governing marriage and wealth.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv): Mr. Fairlie's dismissal of Gilmore's concerns as 'Radical' highlights the tension between conservative legal principles and aristocratic privilege, with Fairlie valuing rank over fairness.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iv): Sir Percival's authority as husband and landowner is challenged by Marian's intervention, highlighting class and gender hierarchies.
- [The Story Continued by Frederick Fairlie, Esq., of Limmeridge House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-frederick-fairlie-esq-of-limmeridge-house): Fairlie's condescending treatment of his servant Louis and Fanny reflects the rigid class distinctions of Victorian society.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i): Mrs. Michelson's deference to the Count's aristocratic manners and her observations on Sir Percival's rudeness reflect class distinctions.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/ii): Mrs. Michelson's dependent position and her deference to Sir Percival; the impropriety of an under-housemaid attending Lady Glyde.
- [The Narrative of Hester Pinhorn, Cook in the Service of Count Fosco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/i-the-narrative-of-hester-pinhorn-cook-in-the-service-of-count-fosco): Hester's position as a cook and her deference to her employers highlight class distinctions; the Count's foreignness and oddities are noted but tolerated.
- [The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/the-story-continued-by-mrs-catherick): Mrs. Catherick's efforts to gain respectability in Welmingham, including her aim to make the clergyman's wife bow to her, highlight class dynamics.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/chapters/iii): The revelation that Walter's son is the 'Heir of Limmeridge' underscores the importance of lineage and social standing.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/themes/class_and_social_hierarchy
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_woman_in_white_se/themes