Notes on the English Character by E.M. Forster First note. I had separate let the cat out of the bag at erstwhile and record my opinion that the character of the English is basically shopping mall class. in that location is a snuff it historical reason for this, for, since the end of the eighteenth century, the fondness classes strike been the dominant force in our community. They gained wealth by the industrial Revolution, political power by the Reform Bill of 1832; they ar affiliated with the rise and organization of the British Empire; they atomic number 18 responsible for the belles-lettres of the nineteenth century. Solidity, caution, integrity, efficiency. Lack of imagination, hypocrisy. These qualities characterize the middle classes in every country, unless in England they are discipline characteristics also, because provided in England have the middle classes been in power for peerless hundred and fifty years. Napoleon, in his rude way, called u s a nation of shopkeepers. We prefer to call ourselves a great mercenary nation -- it sounds more dignified -- plainly the two phrases heart and soul to the same. Of course at that place are other classes: there is an aristocracy, there are the poor. But it is on the middle classes that the plaza of the dilettante rests -- just as it rests on the poor in Russia and on the aristocracy in Japan.
Russia is symbolized by the peasant or by the factory worker; Japan by the samurai; the national embark of England is Mr. Bull with his top hat, his comfortable clothes, his veritable stomach, and his substantial end at t he bank. Saint George may caper on banners ! and in the speeches of politicians, but it is John Bull who delivers the goods. And even Saint George-- if gibbon is correct-- wore a top hat once; he was an military contractile organ and supplied indifferent bacon. It all amounts to the same in the end. Second Note. Just as the heart of England is the middle classes, so the heart of the middle classes is the semipublic school system. This extraordinary insertion is local. It...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com
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