g.106). She almost confirms that he belongs to the lower class and is shocked to find that he is a member of the aristocracy. Lord Merton, although belongs to the top of the society, behaves out of his class. He lacks moral and principles and his behavior serves as a total contrast with his “class”. Captain Mirvan in this novel is described as a comical character. The language he uses is foul spoken and the action he takes is so cruel that it is almost barbaric. He may belong to the gentry but he acts inelegantly and uncouthly. He trembles at the sheer delight in seeing others suffer. From throwing Madame Duval into a ditch to allowing the monkey to bite Lovell’s ear, he shows a character of uncultured crudity and savageness. He seems to be better representing the dregs of the society than the gentry. Therefore, the repulsive behavior of the captain provides another excellent example on the idea that the characteristic may not be congruent with one’s class. Burney points out that wealth or lack of wealth does not determine a person’s nobility or ignobility. She provides the reader with the examples such as Madame Duval. She was a tavern wretch who has been twice married into wealthy families. As a widow, she is incredibly rich. She proudly believes that her social status is “ just as good as” Lady Howard’s. (pg.51) To her, more money means more prestige. However, she clearly does not belong in the elite class because there is no air of gentility in her nature. Her behavior is unacceptable in the elite social class because she lacks the acquired taste to belong to the gentry. Her showy dress, the makeup she puts on and the way she dances are inappropriate for her age. She abuses the English language and makes her seem like she is uncultured and uneducated. Her lack of refined taste results in her inability to distinguish lower-class prostitutes with respectab...
