Students working in three groups provided the following notes, which were written on the blackboard for discussion. Students were asked to provide the notes in the form:

1. Does the legal system protect the interests of the property owners?

this process "was better adapted for a weapon of tyranny in the hands of the rich . . . " (p. 73)

Hawkins -- emblem of lower class but an honourable man vs. Tyrrel

"you were his servant?" -- therefore made subordinate to Falkland
status quo needs improvement
"The law has neither eyes, nor ears, nor bowels of humanity; and it turns into marble the hearts of all those that are nursed in its principles" (pp. 277-8)

2. How does a gentleman adhere to the "chivalric code"?

The code:

• uphold family name and honour
• maintain dignity and decorum
• integrity
• classical education

Falkland

• social code: paramount
• p. 67: model of decorum
• p. 109: reputation / honour / name / integrity
• p. 111: classical education

Tyrrel

• feels above any code
• p. 16-19: rough, rude, callous, and over-emotional
• p. 17: no classical education
• p. 46: vengeful

Analysis:

Falkland turns out to be deceptive; Tyrrel was more honest.

Questions / Conclusions

Neither is truly chivalric. What does this say about the gentleman's "code of honour"?

3. Ownership of people based on class standing

a) Emily Melville is owned by Tyrrel. He tried to force her to marry Grimes, despite the obvious inequality of their stations (pp. 48-9)

b) Hawkins is manipulated by Tyrrel. Hawkins attempts to fight back to protect the honour of his son, however, Tyrrel's position allows him to invoke the "Black Act" (p. 74) to control the situation.

The historical accuracy of Tyrrel's invocation of the Black Act against Hawkins is emphasized by E. P. Thompson in Whigs and Hunters: The Origin of the Black Act (London: Allen Lane, 1975), p. 247. [My note: DSM]

c) Caleb Williams identifies this issue (p. 171): "Falkland is a man of mark and fortune, he is your master."