Social Structure In Geraldine Brooks 'Year Of Wonders'

The social structure and institutions of the village of Eyam are severely challenged during the year of the plague. Discuss
The small town of Eyam was enveloped with the Bubonic plague in 1665-1666. In Geraldine Brooks’ historical fiction ‘Year Of Wonders’ relationships, beliefs values, laws and friendships are threatened in the village at every level, however not all outcomes are negative from the devastation of a collapsing town. The novel demonstrated that it Is possible for strong characters or even reserved characters to take initiative in a fundamental time, despite the collapsing of their society around them.

During the plague, villagers were torn between their faith in God and superstitious beliefs. The novels protagonist Anna
Mompellion delivers his most compelling speech; “let the boundaries of this village become our whole world. Let none enter and none leave while this plague lasts.”, Encouraging all the towns’ folk to stay until the plague passes. However, the Bradford’s, who were at the top of the social hierarchy decided to flee the town and break the social, divide. “And so, as it generally happens, those who have most give least. And those with less, give most…” Their cruel dismissal of their loyal staff shows that they thought they were ‘above’ the situation. This is a representation of the classes, where initially we are shown the height of the Bradford’s social class, juxtaposed with Anna at the lowest end of the system that had no choice, but to stay. The relationship between Elinor and Anna threatens the social fabric of Eyam as Anna was Elinor’s maid, who soon became her bestfriend and mother figure. “She was my friend and I loved her”. Their friendship challenged the social structure of Eyam at all levels by the division of classes coming together. The division displayed by the Bradford’s and the classes has had a huge effect on the village and is represented by the belief they all know share to stick together and work as a