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Thomas Carlyle · English Literature

In his political tract 'Chartism' (1839), how does Carlyle characterize the widespread working-class unrest and demands for democratic reform?

  1. As a minor, meaningless riot provoked entirely by foreign French instigators.
  2. As a justified 'Condition-of-England' question—the aristocracy has failed to govern.
  3. As a glorious democratic awakening that will perfect the British Constitution.
  4. As a sign that all industrial factories must be dismantled immediately.
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Correct answer: As a justified 'Condition-of-England' question—the aristocracy has failed to govern.

While Carlyle does not support the Chartists' belief that voting rights or secret ballots will solve their existential problems, he treats their rage with immense seriousness. He frames Chartism as a symptom of a deep cultural disease, warning that if the 'unworking aristocracy' does not stop ignoring the suffering of the laboring classes, an apocalyptic revolution like France's will destroy England.

Difficulty: Medium Question 5 of 11

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