This article, which appeared in Sharpe's London Magazine, offered to give a "slight sketch" of men and manners in Lancashire. Focus on the section that talks
specifically about Manchester. What type of language is used to describe the city and its residents? How does the author address the question of industrialization and factory work? What is the split between barbarism and intellect, and who is characterized by each respective quality? Is this a class division or something altogether different?
What strikes me the most is how this article uses language reminiscent of an episode of colonization. Given the treatment people from the colonies have received throughout our readings, I find it ironic that the 'pure' Saxon Englishmen are now the barbarians and that the 'civilized' colonizers are foreigners: Manchester's commoner is poor and uneducated and the German expatriate is rich and cultured. However, the author's emphasis on intellectual and cultural pursuits suggests that class is distinguished not so much by wealth, but by the degree to which a person is educated.
ReplyDeleteThe author indicates that industrialization acts as a civilizing force, thus repressing the barbaric instincts of mindless violence in the rural country folk. The author suggests that industrialization acts as capitalism does, trickling down intellect to the lower peasantry from the esteemed enterprising capitalists. It is due to this influence that the society of Manchester is raised above its neighbors and characterized as more refined and intellectual.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andres in that this division was not based so much on wealth but on intellect. The sentiment reflects the growing English appreciation for an intelligent, enterprising social class from which England's newfound wealth was based. The emphasis in this class distinction lies in a man's ability and likelihood to become a venture capitalist and earn great wealth for his nation. Although wealth is not the intrinsic element of this division, it is an indirect driving force.
I agree with Andres - this article seems to subvert England's common patronizing, imperialist tone in regards to foreigners. Whereas imperialism is commonly spoken about in British literature and writing to bring civilization to foreign lands, in this article, foreign "invasion" is bringing civilization and modernity to England. Yet the people of Manchester are not altogether accepting of the modernizing foreign influence - they continue to flock to "the 'owd church" despite the closer proximity of the new churches. This could indicate a certain haughtiness that remains despite the civilizing influence of the foreigners immigrating to Manchester.
ReplyDeleteThe residents are pretty much dehumanized to the point of almost not being considered people at all, but a bunch of thugs and rubes. They're almost considered animals- almost without surnames, fighting constantly. However, once Manchester is described, it brings a bit of humanity into them- their affinity for the 'owd church' and the industrialization. I agree that the article considers those living and working in the urbanized area somewhat more human.
ReplyDeleteI notice they say "...and thus, while its population received, as it were, an instantaneous and immense acceleration, the native manners were blended, and ameliorated by, the more refined usages of the strangers," but go on to say that the Germans, the previously alluded to 'strangers,' make up a "great portion" of the population. Why, then, are they considered 'strangers,' if they are considered a majority and a boon to the society? It seems there is still a feeling of alienation of the foreign, and a resistance to complete assimilation. So, even though they are considered nearly barbaric, the uncivilized masses, if native, might be considered of higher class than the foreigners.