SSTC LI - Marxist

• Marlow and Hastings believe they are superior because they have the means to pay for a service (or so they believe) - money gives them the power to behave as they like.
• Implication that Constance's fortune came to her via colonial means. Her uncle, the 'India director' may have exploited the resources and people of one of Britain's colonies to make his money.
• There is a social heirarchy in the house with the servants not being trusted to know how to behave with London guests.
• There is a heirarchy at the pub - Tony is clearly respected as the son of the squire and his drinking friends are all of a lower social class.
• Mrs Hardcastle, Marlow and Hastings all appear materialistic. Fine clothes and fashionable pursuits were only open to the rich.
• Mrs Hardcastle, as the squire's wife, looks down on her country neighbours.
• According to Ray Williams' Theory, Mr Hardcastle represents the residual hegemony as his traditional class status is weakening. An innovate and modern woman, Kate may represent the emerging hegemony: however, she still lives with the dominant hegemony represented by Marlow - The male, London born aristocrat.
• As a conflict theory, a Marxist perspective of Kate's (as the barmaid) encounter with Marlow reflects the conflict and tension between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. Perhaps Kate's disguise may invoke a certain amount of realisation from the mostly middle-class audience by shining light on how wrong it is to discriminate based on class.