Knowing people do not have to be born into the Gentry, how easily do you think that this is done? Is it easier for men or women? What obstacles do you think they face in the transition? (Keep in mind the different socio-economic factors that define this group)
I’m not sure of the “this” in sentence 1: do you mean “becoming part of the gentry without being born into it”? If so, and I think that must be what you mean, I want to remind everyone that the exam will have as its primary focus the literature that we read–the texts in Ashmole 61–with the secondary items playing a, well, secondary role. This question doesn’t engage with the primary texts in any direct way and would allow for a response based solely in our secondary materials. It is also possible to respond to this without presenting any evidence at all. It’s *very* important that you make regular use of examples to demonstrate your larger claims. I’m afraid this question, as stated, would encourage more opinion-based (rather than analytical) responses, as a result.
Yes, this refers to “becoming part of the gentry without being born into it”