The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Synopsis

'The present system means joyless drudgery, semi-starvation, rags and premature death; and they vote for it and uphold it. Let them have what they vote for! Let them drudge and let them starve!' There is no other novel quite like The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. George Orwell called it 'a wonderful book'; its readers have become a living part of its remarkable history. Tressell's novel is about survival on the underside of the Edwardian Twilight, about exploitative employment when the only safety nets are charity, workhouse, and grave. Following the fortunes of a group of painters and decorators and their families, and the attempts to rouse their political will by the Socialist visionary Frank Owen, the book is both a highly entertaining story and a passionate appeal for a fairer way of life. It asks questions that are still being asked today: why do your wages bear no relation to the value of your work? Why do fat cats get richer when you don't? Tressell's answers are 'The Great Money Trick' and the 'philanthropy' of an unenlightened workforce, who give away their rights and aspirations to a decent life so freely. Intellectually enlightening, deeply moving and gloriously funny (complete with exploding clergyman), The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is a book that changes lives. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Anderson Shelter

The novel introduces the Anderson family as they struggle to cope with post-World War I poverty. Owen Anderson, an out-of-work artist, and his wife Jessie live in a cramped and dilapidated Anderson shelter with their three children. Owen is desperate for work and tries to pawn his wife's wedding ring, but it is stolen by a thief.

Chapter 2: The Capitalist System

The chapter explores the exploitative nature of the capitalist system. Owen witnesses firsthand how wealthy landlords like Mr. Hamble profiteer from the rents of overcrowded slums while paying their workers starvation wages. The workers, including Owen's friend Alf Stokes, are trapped in a cycle of poverty and insecurity.

Chapter 3: The Big Strike

The workers decide to go on strike for better working conditions. They organize a mass meeting and elect Alf as their leader. They confront their employer, Mr. Beale, but their demands are met with resistance. The strike turns violent, and the workers are eventually defeated.

Chapter 4: The Retreat

After the failed strike, the workers are even worse off than before. They are evicted from their homes and forced to live on the streets. Owen and Jessie are separated, and their children are sent to a workhouse. Owen falls into despair and becomes a drunkard.

Chapter 5: The Awakening

Owen meets with Mihailovich, a socialist activist who helps him understand the root causes of his poverty. Owen joins Mihailovich's group and becomes an outspoken advocate for workers' rights.

Chapter 6: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

The workers, inspired by Owen's newfound awareness, form a secret organization called the Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. They vow to fight for social justice and to expose the selfish motives of the wealthy elite.

Chapter 7: The Conspiracy

The wealthy landlords and capitalists become aware of the Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' activities and conspire to discredit them. They spread rumors about Owen being a communist and an anarchist.

Chapter 8: The Denouement

The tension between the workers and the ruling class reaches a boiling point. Owen and Alf are arrested for seditious activities. The novel ends with a bleak but hopeful message: even though the workers' struggle is far from over, they will never stop fighting for a more just and equitable society.