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Questions and Answers
What does Nancy's disguise symbolize in the context of Victorian England?
What does Nancy's disguise symbolize in the context of Victorian England?
- The wealth of the middle class
- The power of deception
- The strength of the police
- The class divisions (correct)
What marks Nancy as a member of the property-owning class in her disguise?
What marks Nancy as a member of the property-owning class in her disguise?
- A diamond brooch (correct)
- A leather handbag
- An expensive dress
- A silk scarf
How does the legal system perceive Nancy when she presents herself as a middle-class woman?
How does the legal system perceive Nancy when she presents herself as a middle-class woman?
- As a suspect
- As a member of the lower class
- As an individual worth hearing (correct)
- As a threat
What change signifies Oliver's transition from an orphan pickpocket to a gentleman's son?
What change signifies Oliver's transition from an orphan pickpocket to a gentleman's son?
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After Oliver dons his new clothing, what significant question does Brownlow ask him?
After Oliver dons his new clothing, what significant question does Brownlow ask him?
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In the workhouse, why do the authorities not ask Oliver about his origin or apprenticeship?
In the workhouse, why do the authorities not ask Oliver about his origin or apprenticeship?
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Study Notes
Social Identity and Clothing in Victorian England
- In Victorian England, clothing played a significant role in determining social identity and class status.
- Nancy's disguise, including a diamond brooch, allowed her to pose as a middle-class woman, earning her recognition and a "social voice" within the legal system.
- The brooch marked her as a member of a property-owning class.
Social Class and Identity Formation
- Changing attire enabled characters to assume new identities, such as Nancy's transformation into a middle-class woman.
- Oliver's change from Sowerberry's pauper's clothes to a new, expensive suit purchased by Brownlow, allowed him to assume the identity of a gentleman's son.
- This transformation in clothing led to an establishment of his new status and initiated conversations about his future aspirations.
Social Hierarchy in Victorian England
- The Victorian era was characterized by a strong awareness of genealogy, even among the gentry.
- Social class differences were emphasized, with the upper classes concerned about their family histories.
- The lower classes, such as those in workhouses, were often neglected and overlooked.
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