William Godwin's novel Things As They Are, or The Adventures of Caleb Williams raises several important political questions as Caleb struggles through his subordination to Mr. Falkland. Obviously, the battle between oppression and freedom is rampant throughout the novel. Mr. Falkland and Caleb both have trouble dealing with oppression in many forms. It is interesting, therefore, to wonder if William Godwin is supporting anarchy in his novel.

Caleb Williams, the focus of much of the novel, has a problem with authority, but is still subordinate. Is Caleb an anarchist? No. He is self-educated, but he is still not able to live his life according to his own terms because of hierarchal standards. Unfortunately, Caleb is stuck between the upper class and the peasant class. He rebels against society in a way when he joins up with thieves, but in the end, he knows his place is to be...