Lord Arthur is likely of the aristocratic or noble class in British society. As someone with the title “Lord”, he holds a hereditary peerage and is part of the nobility. During the Victorian era when the story is set, there was a clear class structure and division in Britain. The aristocracy, landed gentry and nobility occupied the highest rungs of society. They did not have to work for a living and lived off the rents and profits from their estates and investments. The indication that Lord Arthur possesses this title suggests he comes from a privileged background and upper class family.
Quick Answers
Lord Arthur possesses the title of nobility “Lord”, indicating he is part of the aristocratic class in Victorian era Britain. As a Lord, he is a member of the hereditary peerage. Lord Arthur does not have to work and can live off rents and profits from his estates and investments, typical of the upper classes.
Evidence Supporting Lord Arthur’s Upper Class Status
There are several clues in the story that reveal Lord Arthur is likely of the nobility or aristocratic class:
- He possesses the title “Lord” – This hereditary title indicates he is part of the peerage and nobility.
- He is engaged to the daughter of a Duke – Sybil is described as the daughter of the Duke of Cheshire, meaning she is also of aristocratic origins.
- He socializes with high society and the elite – Lord Arthur interacts with lords, ladies and dukes at upper class functions and parties.
- He does not have a profession or occupation – As an aristocrat, he would live off income from his estates and investments.
- He wears fashionable, expensive clothing – His style of dress reflects his wealth and status.
- He discusses waiting to come into his inheritance – This implies he stands to inherit lands, monies and the privileges of an upper class male heir.
Based on Lord Arthur’s title, social circles, style of living and financial situation, it is evident he belongs to the highest echelons of society as a member of the nobility. This grants him extensive wealth, leisure time and social power. During the Victorian period, aristocratic pedigree and class origins were hugely important signifiers of status. Lord Arthur clearly possesses the pedigree and lifestyle of a man of noble birth and privilege.
Typical Background of an Aristocrat
As a member of the nobility, Lord Arthur would typically have the following background:
- Born into an aristocratic or noble family with a hereditary peerage title
- Inherits an opulent family estate and/or grand country home
- Income derived from rents, profits and investments. May own land, properties and businesses.
- Extensive social connections among other upper class elites
- Expensive private education (e.g. Eton, Harrow, Oxford, Cambridge)
- Luxurious, leisurely lifestyle. No need to perform occupational work.
- Travels in elite social circles and attends exclusive functions
- Dresses in fashionable, tailored clothing to denote status
- Often pursues politics, diplomacy, or a career in the military or clergy
- Marries within their social class to cement dynastic ties
This background gives aristocrats like Lord Arthur the wealth, privilege and leisure time to cultivate artistic, intellectual and political interests unavailable to the lower classes. The nobility were seen to represent the height of good breeding, refinement andstatus in Victorian Britain.
Comparison to Other Classes
It is useful to contrast Lord Arthur’s likely aristocratic background and lifestyle to other Victorian era classes:
Working Class
- Laborers, factory workers, maids, servants
- Live in cramped urban areas
- Income from wage labor. Periods of unemployment.
- Manual, physically demanding and dangerous work
- No job security. Susceptible to injury and illness.
- Minimal education. Children must work.
- No political representation until later reforms.
Middle Class
- Industrialists, bankers, lawyers, doctors
- Live in comfortable homes in cities or suburbs
- Earn steady incomes from business ventures or professions
- Aspire to live refined, respectable lifestyles
- Access to education and cultural activities
- Seek to emulate the manners and style of the upper class
Aristocracy/Nobility
- Hereditary titles (Duke, Earl, Lord, Viscount)
- Grand country estates and townhouses
- Wealth from land rents and inheritances
- Political influence in House of Lords
- Luxurious, leisured lifestyles
- Privileged education and exclusive social circles
This comparison demonstrates the vast gulf between the opportunities, privileges and lifestyles of the aristocracy compared to the working and middle classes. As a Lord, Arthur enjoys advantages of status and wealth far above commoners of his time.
Conclusion
Lord Arthur undoubtedly occupies the lofty status of an aristocrat and member of the nobility in Victorian England. His hereditary title, wealthy lifestyle and privileged social networks mark him as a member of the uppermost echelon of British society. Lord Arthur represents the pinnacle of breeding and status to which other classes could only aspire. His leisure, style and class associations stand in stark contrast to the limited horizons of the lower classes. Lord Arthur’s existence remains bound to the rigid class structure and social order of Victorian England.