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GCSE English Literature · key term
A person’s position within a social hierarchy, influenced by birth, family connections and titles; it is not identical to wealth.
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Paper 2
Revise: Class and wealthRank, money and manners do not always coincide. Darcy and Mr Bennet belong to the landed gentry: families associated with country estates and income from land. Yet Darcy has much greater wealth and grander connections.
Paper 1
The position someone holds in a social hierarchy, associated in Austen’s novel with family connections, titles, wealth and landownership.
Discursive question on social rank: connect context to precise details, such as Mr. Collins’s advice about clothing or Lady Catherine’s intrusive questions. Explain Austen’s methods as well as the social attitudes.
Distinguish inherited rank, wealth and good manners: Austen repeatedly shows that they do not necessarily go together.
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In Chapter 29 he explains, “She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.” Clothing should visibly separate the guests from their social superiors. What he presents as Lady Catherine’s kindness also preserves her power.
Component 2
A person’s position in a social hierarchy, shaped by factors such as birth, title and family connections.
Revise: Class and wealthLady Catherine possesses rank and wealth without consistently showing courtesy; the Gardiners earn their living through trade yet display intelligence, kindness and excellent manners.
