A distinct separation between social classes has always existed throughout history. This barrier, which separates the two, often provides those of higher social standing with what is commonly considered a privileged life of superior attention and treatment. Such an inferior treatment of those who are less fortunate than others seems to be an unmerited fate for many both in earlier and modern days. Social classes that developed in both time periods have negative effects on the people associated within each group.
In the novel, Water for Elephants an elderly man reminisces of his earlier days during the depression of life in the circus. Jacob, in his young age as a soon to be Cornell veterinary graduate finds himself running off to work with the circus to escape the sorrows of the death of his parents. In doing so, he finds himself a job as a workingman in the Benzini Brother’s Most Spectacular Show on Earth. However after a few months, he finds himself working as the show’s on call veterinarian. Between his two vocational positions in the circus a distinct difference is shown as he moves up in social class.
Differences in classes in earlier days could be specifically seen in the way the individuals were treated. As a workingman, also known as a “roustabout”, Jacob was overlooked. He was a man behind the scenes. Much like in modern days these men did most of the work, which essentially made the show happen, and these men performed these tasks without any recognition or praise. Back then their social class steered far clear from any unnecessary contact with the upper class in order to avoid any altercations that could potentially arise. They were not to mix company, associate or even dine with members of higher status. To attempt to dine with members of higher or lower status than you would be to commit social suicide and would be looked greatly down upon. In one instance of the book Jacob is surprised to see the remarkable difference between dining areas designated for the roustabouts from that set aside for the performers, “kinkers” as they were commonly referred to by the working men. Kinkers were given large wide tables with red and white-checkered tablecloths, silverware and even glass vases with flowers. While workingmen on the other hand, were given the bare essentials: a wooden table with nothing but salt and peppershakers on top. Workingmen in those days were seen as servants whose workload far exceeded the compensation that they received. While both roustabouts and performers were part of the same team in putting the circus together, the fact that they originated from separate social classes distanced themselves from each other. Instead of working as an entire team they worked only for their own group without acknowledging the effort and work of the other.
Additionally individuals of lower social status were often forced to live under harsher conditions. As a workingman, Jacob was given room and board within a horse stock car in which his bed was comprised of a mildew infested horse blanket. Whereas, August, the equestrian director and superintendent of the animals, received a fully furnished and decorated box car for him and his wife Marlena to share as their private dwelling place. Such a substantial difference in social class was not uncommon in earlier days due to the difference in the amount of wealth or social renown the individuals in each class obtained. However social status did not only exist among large populations but also within social societies as well. Within the group of performers a separation between those of higher social standing and lower standing were formed. For example, Walter, who shared living space with Jacob, was a performer. He held higher social standing than that of the roustabouts. However, he held lower status among the performers and found himself living in the horse stock car alone, before Jacob arrived. Partial treatment among the differing social classes easily provided roots for division among the classes.
As Jacob moved up in social status he transitioned into the position as the circus’ veterinarian and obvious changes in treatment and privileges were distinctly seen. Conditions improved as his makeshift bed made from a old horse blanket was traded out for a bedroll, pillow and brightly colored plaid blanket. Furthermore, Jacob found himself treated to lavish private dinner parties where he was given opportunities to indulge in fine food, alcoholic drinks, extravagant clothing and wealthy company. In any circumstance, both past and present, when one individual or groups of people are treated with a higher regard over the other, a sense of jealousy or anger is quickly planted in the minds and hearts of the lesser class.
A sense of social ranking was also present in Jacob’s later days as a resident of the nursing home. Social status was not determined by wealth but rather in terms of coherency and need for medical attention. Residents who were ill or perceived to be mentally ill received specialized treatment whether they wanted it or not. In one instance, the medical staff believed that Jacob was overly aggressive due to being depressed and prescribed him a sedative as well as scheduled him for different meals that would be more suitable for him and his condition. Those who were categorized as being handicap in any regard were limited to the activities they were allowed to participate in. Additionally those individuals were required to have added assistance for simple activities. Where as residents who were categorized as healthier, coherent individuals were allowed to perform and engage in individual tasks on their own. On one occasion Jacob explained his frustration in the fact that simple tasks as taking a shower or walking down the hallway required approval from medical caregivers. He even mentioned how such restrictions made him feel inferior. Social classes negatively affect individuals emotionally. A sense of self worth can be damaged or even diminished when limitations or restrictions are placed on a group of individuals based on social standing.
Another product of social classes is resentment for the prevailing class. Similar to earlier days in Jacob’s life social classes in his days at the nursing home were determined by popularity. Popularity was gained through the amount of intrigue an individual could provide for the other residents. Old Man McGuinty, a senile resident of the nursing home gained his position in his social class by fascinating the other residents with his misguided stories of being a water carrier for the elephants in the circus. Regardless that McGuinty’s stories were untrue, others believed him and found interest in them, gaining him a higher social status over Jacob in his own group of friends. Resentment and bitterness swarmed over Jacob as he now found himself alone in a lower social class.
Social classes exist both in the past and the present. There is no age limit or community that is exempt from such a prevalent occurrence. Social classes cause division and rivalry amongst those in separate classes. It overly magnifies the differences between the two and hinders individuals from taking notice of what they largely share in common. Jacob’s memories of his days in the circus and at the nursing home both reflect how social classes negatively affect communities of people. They divide and demolish rather than unify and create constructive bonds among people who are inherently similar to begin with.
