# Subject of Gentility Continued explained — Lavengro

> Chapter companion for Lavengro by George Borrow.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters/v-subject-of-gentility-continued
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters