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Originally Posted by gmw
This contrast is one of the reasons that I especially like reading some older texts. The class disparity from 100 years ago stands out as obvious to us now, but by standing out as it does it makes it easier to look to current times and identify similar issues (issues that are otherwise so easy to overlook because "that's just the way things are").
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An excellent point; it does work both ways. I was citing a modern viewpoint as helpful in understanding undercurrents in older books, but you're right; turning the lens around sheds light on our own times, too.
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The disparities and excuses also carry into modern fiction - especially in fantasy: lord and ladies, knights and warriors, heroes and their loyal sidekicks. It seems we have some built in affinity or desire for class systems (though I presume the attraction is only for being on the right side of such class systems).
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This makes me think of how those who've had past life regressions seem to have had earlier lives disproportionately in the rich, famous and/or powerful class, when you'd expect the short and brutish lives experienced by the bulk of humanity to predominate.
