The Gown

One of the main themes of the novel is how the rigid class structure affects the characters, especially Ann, negatively. Class defines how Ann thinks of herself from the beginning: “She was an ordinary girl from Barking, the sort of girl who usually ended up working in a factory or shop for a few years before getting married and settling into life as a wife and mum” (4). Ann is always aware of her role in society. She is excited because she can touch the higher classes by making gowns for royalty, which are admired by other people. Yet she is merely an embroiderer, and it is her boss, Mr. Hartnell, who is admired and appreciated for the gowns. Ann can work as hard as she wants, but because of her class, she will never be wealthy or properly recognized for her work.

Another instance where the class structure in England is damaging to Ann is in her relationship with Jeremy. They first meet at a dance hall, and Ann is shocked to be singled out by him because they are from different classes. When Jeremy asks to see her again, Ann can only think of how deep the gulf between their classes is: