The Role of Class and Social Status in The Woman in White: How Collins Critiques the Victorian Class System
The Role of Class and Social Status in The Woman in White: How Collins Critiques the Victorian Class System
In The Woman in White, Wilkie Collins offers a critique of the rigid Victorian class system and explores how social status influences relationships, actions, and outcomes. The novel is set in a time when class distinctions were strictly adhered to, with power and privilege largely determined by one’s social position. Through the characters of Laura Fairlie, Sir Percival Glyde, and Walter Hartright, Collins illustrates how the class system shapes personal identity, opportunities, and the way characters navigate the world around them.
The character of Sir Percival Glyde is a perfect example of how social class and wealth can be used to manipulate and control. Despite his morally dubious nature, Glyde’s wealth and noble title allow him to pursue his interests without much resistance. His marriage to Laura is a calculated move designed to secure his financial future and position in society, rather than a relationship based on love or mutual respect. His use of class privilege to dominate Laura’s life and to deceive others about his true nature highlights the inequities of the Victorian class system.
In contrast, Walter Hartright, though of a lower social standing, represents an alternative vision of success and personal worth. His relationship with Laura is grounded in emotional connection and mutual respect, and while his social class initially seems to be an obstacle, it is ultimately his moral integrity and determination that define his role in the narrative. Walter’s pursuit of justice for Laura, despite the class divide, symbolizes the idea that true worth is not determined by wealth or status but by character and personal actions.
Through these characters, Collins critiques the Victorian class system, which often placed wealth and privilege above morality, intellect, and personal virtue. He suggests that while class may determine access to power and resources, it should not dictate one’s value as a person or the fairness of the relationships they can form.
In conclusion, The Woman in White highlights the inequalities and injustices inherent in the Victorian class system. Through characters like Sir Percival and Walter Hartright, Collins critiques the way social status and class privilege shape not only personal relationships but also the pursuit of justice, fairness, and individual freedom.
