Lavengro · Chapter
Subject of Gentility Continued explained
The narrator continues his discourse on gentility, distinguishing between mere genteel appearance and true gentlemanly character.
What happens
The narrator continues his discourse on gentility, distinguishing between mere genteel appearance and true gentlemanly character. He argues that a gentleman is defined by high feeling, courage, generosity, propriety, and liberal education—not by wealth, title, or fine clothes. Using Lavengro as an example, he shows that a person may lack all external marks of gentility yet be a true gentleman, while a wealthy or titled person may be a cowardly miscreant. He criticizes the English obsession with gentility and defends Lavengro's humble occupations as honorable alternatives to vice.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Gentility
The chapter is a sustained critique of the English mania for gentility, distinguishing true gentlemanly character from mere external markers of class, wealth, and fashion.
Honor and Morality
The narrator defines a gentleman by high feeling, courage, generosity, and propriety, and contrasts Lavengro's honorable conduct with the cowardice and profligacy of those who are merely genteel.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
Presented as the exemplar of a true gentleman despite his seedy raiment and humble trades; he is learned, courageous, and honorable, never stooping to vice or cowardice.
- The Jockey
Mentioned as an honest jockey at Horncastle who offers a fair price for a horse, contrasted with a scoundrel lord who attempts to cheat.
- The Postillion
Cited among those who can prize a gentleman despite seedy raiment, along with the young Irishman and his employer.
Key passages
“The characteristics of a gentleman are high feeling—a determination never to take a cowardly advantage of another—a liberal education—absence of narrow views—generosity and courage, propriety of behaviour.”
A true gentleman is defined by noble sentiments, refusal to exploit others, broad learning, open-mindedness, generosity, bravery, and proper conduct.
The narrator's core definition of gentlemanly character, contrasted with mere gentility.
“Is not Lavengro, when he leaves London on foot with twenty pounds in his pocket, entitled to more respect than Mr. Flamson flaming in his coach with a million?”
Lavengro, though poor and walking, deserves greater respect than the wealthy Mr. Flamson in his lavish coach.
Illustrates the theme that true worth is independent of wealth and appearance.