The Theme of Poverty and Social Exclusion
HungerThe protagonist's experience of poverty as a social stigma that isolates him from others.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Shabby Clothes
The Shabby Clothes
The Shiny Knees
He sprinkles water on his trousers to make them look newer. He is ashamed of his appearance.
The Lack of Waistcoat
He pawns his waistcoat. He is cold. He avoids people because of his clothes.
The Barred from Society
He cannot enter cafes or meet people. His poverty is a barrier to human connection.
The Mockery of Others
The Mockery of Others
The Servant Girl's Taunts
At the lodging house, the servant girl mocks him for his shabby shoes and falling hair. She laughs at his writing.
The Street Girl's Insult
When he has no money, a street girl calls him a dry cod. He is humiliated.
The Isolation
He is excluded from the comfort of human kindness. Poverty makes him a target.
Throughout
Parts II and IV
