Tom Brown’s School Days · Question
How does Tom Brown’s School Days develop the theme of Class and Social Hierarchy?
Answer
Tom Brown’s School Days by Thomas Hughes develops Class and Social Hierarchy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book examines the rigid social structures within the school (fags vs. praepostors, Schoolhouse vs. other houses) and in broader English society, celebrating the 'Browns' as the sturdy, unpretentious backbone of the nation compared to titled aristocrats.
The chapter contrasts the noble families like Talbots and Stanleys with the Browns, who are portrayed as the unsung backbone of England, highlighting class distinctions and the undervaluation of the middle and lower classes.
The chapter contrasts the universal amusements of the past with the class-divided present, noting that 'class amusements... always become nuisances and curses to a country.'
Squire Brown's belief that a man should be valued for himself, regardless of rank, and his encouragement of Tom's friendship with ploughmen's sons, challenges traditional class distinctions.
Evidence in the book
- I: The Brown Family
The chapter contrasts the noble families like Talbots and Stanleys with the Browns, who are portrayed as the unsung backbone of England, highlighting class distinctions and the undervaluation of the middle and lower classes.
- The Veast
The chapter contrasts the universal amusements of the past with the class-divided present, noting that 'class amusements... always become nuisances and curses to a country.'
- Sundry Wars and Alliances
Squire Brown's belief that a man should be valued for himself, regardless of rank, and his encouragement of Tom's friendship with ploughmen's sons, challenges traditional class distinctions.
