- isfaction implies in itself a passive acquiescence, whereas
admiration leads naturally to imitation, and if possible, appropriation, of the thing approved. Of course, satisfaction on a different plane results from a feeling of attainment and possession; but it then becomes pride or vanity, which in turn may or may not be of the snobbish sort.
In popular apprehension, indeed, snobbishness and vulgarity are rated as more opposite than allied. The snob is thought of as either belonging to the polite world or trying to secure an entrance to its polished circles. If he occupies the former position, he boasts of his refinement, and from his eminence contemplates with scorn or at best an affable condescension, the mob below. To this class belong such members as Lytton's and Disraeli's aristocrats; such diverse types in Dickens as Sir John Chester, the Monseigneur in Tale of Two Cities, Mrs. General, and Mrs. Gowan; Thackeray's Marquis of Steyne, Major Pendennis, and the Misses Pinkerton; Trollope's de Courcys and the Chaldicote circle; Meredith's Everard Romfrey and Ferdinand Laxley.
But if the snob is engaged in climbing up instead of looking down, he is likely to have some common clay still clinging to his shoes, as well as to be dishevelled by the exertions of the ascent. Such insignia of vulgarity are worn by a numerous clan, including the politician Rigby, the money-lender Baron Levy;[1] the Veneerings and Dorrits, and those patriotic American snobs whom Martin Chuz-*
- ↑ This character makes a shrewd comment, which indicts English society for
being a promoter of snobbishness: "They call me a parvenu, and borrow my
money. They call our friend the wit, a parvenu, and submit to all his insolence
- * * provided they can but get him to dinner. They call the best
