As discussed in today’s class Massinger illustrates a different point of view of the lower class. Overreach is a character full of schemes that would do anything just as long as it followed his hidden agenda. This is clearly different from other characters we have read prior to this play, in which characters of the lower class were often those that possess righteous personalities such as Simon Eyre in The Shoemaker’s Holiday. Massinger’s characterization of Overreach is relevant to modern society as there are countless individuals who are also as reckless as Overreach in order to climb higher on the social ladder.
However Overreach’s character is an important contrast to the relationship that servants have with their masters in the play. The servants of the Allworth’s household all have a genuine affection and dedication for Lady Allworth and her stepson Tom Allworth. As we have already seen in Act 1 scene 2, Order, Amble, Furnace and Watchall expressed concern as how to little Lady Allworth has been eating after the death of her husband. Similarly they express concern to Tom Allworth in Act 2 scene 2, as they continuous remind him to remember to eat. This form of dedication is unique, as we have seen from previous plays that we have read, servants often know the deepest secrets of their master and are easily bribed to reveal these secrets to interested parties as we have seen from Pedringano in The Spanish Tragedy. This type of betrayal would not occur in the Allworth household, when asked by Lady Allworth to refrain from overhearing her conversation, both Amble and Lady Allworth’s waiting-woman replied: “we are taught better / By you, good madam. / And well know our distance” (4.1.176-174). Such response from servants emphasizes the dedication evident in all of Lady Allworth’s servants.
Massinger’s close attention to detail to the personalities of all the characters captivates the reader. Although the storyline composes of details similar to ones we have read in previous plays, it offers a unique twist in perspective not only to the plot of the play but also to society.
Defining classes is tricky. Simon Eyre is a shoemaker and although they are comparable figures in many ways, Sir Giles Overreach (note that he is a Sir) is a titan of real estate and finance. The overall point you make, Wendy, is true.
I agree with the end of the last paragraph. It amazes me how relevant this play still is. No matter how humanity progresses there are and seem there always will be people of privilege that look to exploit all those around them.