That which in England we call the middle class is in America virtually the nation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- In America, the middle class effectively represents the entire nation, unlike in England.
- In plain terms
- The middle class is basically the whole country in America.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the central role of the middle class in American identity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does the middle class truly represent everyone?
- How does class shape national identity?
Another view
This view might ignore significant disparities within the middle class itself.
More from Matthew Arnold
English civilization - the humanizing, the bringing into one harmonious and truly humane life, of the whole body of English society-that is what interests me.
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Permalink to quote #48 Eutrapelia. 'A happy and gracious flexibility,' Pericles calls this quality of the Athenians...lucidity of thought, clearness and propriety of language, freedo…
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