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February 01, 2006
England's Shadow
Within Thomas' prologue, the author systematically reviews and reveals the issues surrounding crime, prostitution, and law enforcement during Victorian times. To the modest reader, these revelations may appear cumbersome. However, the depiction Thomas presents provides even these readers a glimpse into the dark alleys of London where the people, in their perpetual poverty, were left for ruin or death. Although hundreds…if not thousands meet an early demise, the remaining majority sought to create their own perception of justice. Thus, crime became an inevitable avenue with which those unfortunate individuals would turn toward.
“What was criminal often lay in the eye of the beholder” (Thomas, 1).
As the improvised underclass grew in numbers, these citizens collectively bade together. Suspicious of the police or any other authority/governmental figure, communities were formed among the thieves and female “entertainers.” Through these alliances, they would offer protection to any individual or persons finding them selves running or acquitted by the law. As a result, this lifestyle transcended through the generations and developed into the norm of living publicly/privately. Subsequently, the criminals’ means of existence brought about three major civic changes within England. As noted by Thomas, the list includes:
1.) the ‘Bloody Code’ of laws and punishments
2.) Imprisonment as a form of penalty
3.) the creation of a new Police force
Based upon further research, found in Thomas' later chapters, those of criminal-mind weren't intimidated by the threats or punishments of their "superiors." Primarily because, those that accused and arrested were also individuals who dabbled in illegal activities. Justice certainly was blind to its enforcers’ deeds performed in London’s shadows. Interestingly, these actions inspired the underclass to seize power through crime and rebel against the “moral standards” created by those they considered hypocrites. These differences in perspective will lead to the continued demoralization of England and eventually reform towards purity.
Posted by BethanyHutira at February 1, 2006 03:00 PM