The Duchess and the Jeweller

The theme of social climbing is closely connected to the theme of materialism and greed. Oliver was born into a poor family, and his secure and prosperous position contrasts with his impoverished start “in a filthy little alley” (248). He improves his socioeconomic position over time, moving from selling stolen goods to “fashionable ladies in Whitechapel” (251) to selling jewellery to “duchesses, countesses, viscountesses” in Bond Street (251).

While demonstrating that social mobility is possible in English society, Oliver’s character highlights its financial and emotional cost. He is relentless in his ambition, has committed crimes in the past and continues to “cheat” his clients to get ahead. His reminiscences about his journey from poverty to luxury take on an air of single-mindedness and avarice, recalling “he dressed better and better; and had, first a hansom cab; then a car; and first he went up to the dress circle, then down into the stalls” (249).

The narrative’s introduction of Oliver’s memories of “Mademoiselle” suggests he has sacrificed love for social status. He may have “steel safes, five, no, six of them, all of burnished steel” filled with jewels (249), but as he opens them, he recalls, “but Mademoiselle had married Mr. Pedder of the local brewery—no one stuck roses in his buttonhole now” (250). Now alone, Oliver substitutes pearls, rubies, and diamonds for the lost roses.

The theme of social climbing and class is informed by the sociohistorical context of Woolf’s story. At the turn of the 20th century, England’s societal structure reflected both inherited privilege and socioeconomic opportunity. While the aristocracy retained their position at the top of the social strata (just below the royal family), their economic power was waning. At the same time, middle-class businesspeople, merchants, and factory owners gained increasing financial power. Placing the story in a wider social context, the tension between the upper and rising middle classes is represented in the characters of the Duchess and Oliver. While the rich jewellery merchant has wealth, he craves the social status of the aristocracy. Meanwhile, the Duchess’s straitened circumstances are illustrated by her sale of valuable family heirlooms such as the “Appleby cincture.” Although the Duchess still enjoys social status, she lacks the financial security that once accompanied it.

The story contains a subtle social critique of the upper-class nobility of England that is represented by the Duchess. Her title denotes that she possesses all the privileges of her class—socializing with royalty and weekends with the prime minister—but her actions suggest she is unworthy of these privileges. She lies, she cheats, and she sells her honor. By inviting Oliver to her country house, the Duchess offers access to elite English society at a price. Her greed and lack of morals explain why the promise of the weekend is compared to a “truffle,” “rotten at the core!” (253).

Oliver’s single-minded desire to gain social status is also shown to be problematic. When he buys the pearls in implicit exchange for a long weekend, he is also buying possible influence with the most powerful figures in Britain. While he may have genuine feelings for Diana, he is clearly driven by the dream of marrying into nobility. The problem is not that Oliver sought to improve his social status when he was poor, but that he wants to join the “rotten” aristocracy instead of challenging the class system. The story is critical of those who perpetuate the class system without critically examining its inequalities. The narrative suggests that both the social climber Oliver and the privileged Duchess represent corrupt and inequitable values.