Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Etiquette of Ceremonial Visits
Mrs. Pardiggle, with a missionarie's moral indignation,
sees it as her "obligation" to impose upon people in
the greatest misery, that she might rightiously convey
her "moral light" upon those in the brickmaker's "home".
This "visit" is "ceremonial" (meaningless). Perhaps the
people feel like monkeys in a zoo, being observed as
an "example" of moral degeneracy? certainly, Mrs.
Pardiggle cannot understand their lives (nor even her
professed religious tracts) as she can offer no help,
and couldn't imagine lowering herself anyway. In
response to Mrs. Pardiggle's questions (her immoral
behaviour), could she possibly understand what she is
told as anything other than immorality? Certainly, her
visits are not welcome: are NEVER returned, nor would
they be received!
"Is my daughter a-washin? Yes, she is a-washin. Look at the water.
Smell it! That's wot we drinks. How do you like it, and what do you think
of gin, instead! An't my place dirty? Yes, it is dirty — it's nat'rally
dirty, and it's nat'rally onwholesome; and we've had five dirty and
onwholesome children, as is all dead infants, and so much the better
for them, and for us besides. Have I read the little book wot you left?
No, I an't read the little book wot you left. There an't nobody here as
knows how to read it; and if there wos, it wouldn't be suitable to me.
It's a book fit for a babby, and I'm not a babby. If you was to leave me
a doll, I shouldn't nuss it."
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