Going into The Secret River, the only thing I knew about England around 1800's was that the Industrial Revolution was going on during this time period. Just from historical knowledge, this was not a time of great working conditions for the lower classes, and this is reflected in Grenville's novel. The author does a great job of highlighting the wealth inequity, as I was not only shocked by the living conditions of the Thornhills but also the striking differences between the lower classes and the gentry. For instance, when Will's father took him to scrape dog crap off the streets in order to make a living when the gentry lived a life of decadence.
One thing I learned, both through the novel and microlecture, was about the Bloody Codes. I was appalled at the harsh sentences being handed out, especially when it was punishing the poor for trying to survive. A death sentence for stealing 12 cents ($3.40 in today's money) was really shocking. To put that in modern terms, you could receive capital punishment for stealing a bottle of lipstick.
One last scene that stuck with me was the downfall of Sal's family. It was really sad to see someone who had been wise with money, bought their own boats, and work hard their whole lives lose everything they owned due to one illness. Unfortunately, it reminded me of the US, where one major illness or surgery can completely wipe out someone's savings, even with insurance.
I too was unaware of the capital punishments that were enforced in London at that t time... it really surprised me as well.
ReplyDeleteI am very interested how you related Sal's parents back to the U.S. and the relation back to stealing a bottle of lipstick
ReplyDeleteThe downfall of Sal's family could also explain why Thornhill is so eager to take advantage of his newfound social status later in the book, even though it meant being a jerk
ReplyDeleteThe way Sal's family and her status were taken away so quickly stuck out to me also. After so many years of hard work from Will he was back at square one.
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