Social Class Struggles in Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Son’s Veto’

and importance in her eyes.

According to (3), Twycott and Sophy got married in a secret ceremony because Twycott knew that their marriage would be unacceptable in Gaymead and would cause scandal due to their different social standings. Moving to London was necessary to distance themselves from the disapproval of their community. Hardy's depiction of Sophy and Twycott's marriage highlights the idea that social mobility can be achieved, but a person's origins cannot be hidden completely. Despite Twycott's attempts to educate Sophy in the ways of society, she still lacked refinement as a lady.

According to the text, Sophy's relationship with her son Randolph highlights the theme of social class differences. Despite being privately educated and having a gentlemanly demeanor, Randolph treats his mother with disrespect and is ashamed of her background. After his father's death, he distances himself from Sophy and cares only about his own reputation as a gentleman. Randolph shows no concern for Sophy's happiness and would have been accepting of her remarrying if her suitor came from a higher social class. The text also highlights how Randolph corrects his mother's grammar and treats her as if she were a child.

Despite Sophy's love for Samuel Hobsen, her son Randolph refused to give permission for their marriage due to Samuel being a working-class man. Randolph's disdain for the lower classes was so strong that he would rather sacrifice his own mother's happiness than have a stepfather who was not a gentleman. Thomas Hardy vividly depicts the luxurious lifestyle of the upper classes through Randolph's attendance at a cricket match, where he describes rows of coaches piled high with remnants of extravagant lunches, including

bones, pie-crusts, champagne bottles, glasses, plates, napkins, and family silverware. Although Sophy longed to return to the village where she grew up and live happily with Samuel, Randolph had no regard for her sacrifice and forced her to take an oath not to marry.

In contrast to Randolph's attitude, Hardy portrays Sam as having a much greater respect for Sophy. While Randolph is unable to see beyond Sophy's lower-class background, Sam recognizes that hard work can elevate someone in society. He aspires to become a master greengrocer so he can provide a respectable home for Sophy, saying, "I'd keep you as genteel as ever I could, dear Sophy" (6). The tragic irony is that by the end of the story, Sam has achieved the respectable position in society that would have eliminated Randolph's objections to his mother's marriage. However, it is too late for him to marry Sophy as she has already died alone and forgotten.

Hardy's ‘The Son’s Veto’ uses its characters and narrative to demonstrate the upper classes' disdain towards the working class. The upper class only tolerates them as employees like maids and servants. Despite social aspirations, members of the working class, like Sophy, cannot break down class boundaries and are never truly accepted by those around them. They cannot escape their backgrounds. Sophy's tragic life shows that in the nineteenth century, a person's opportunities and attitudes from others were significantly impacted by their social class.