1. How does the character of Crichton challenge the traditional social hierarchy, and what does this reveal about social mobility during Edwardian times?

On the island, when Crichton becomes aware that away from civilization the nobles are useless as leaders, he begins to overrule some of their futile, dangerous orders. Lady Mary chides him for his assertiveness. He responds, "My Lady, I disbelieved in equality at home because it was against nature, and for that same reason I as utterly disbelieve in it on an island." No one at first understands the ambiguity of his assertion; but later when he says, "There must always, my lady, be one to command and others to obey," Lady Mary realizes what he is saying and insists that the butler be loyal to Lord Loam. When Crichton refuses, the nobles dismiss him and stalk off to another part of the island. But since Crichton, the only one who knows how to build a fire, is cooking a pot of stew, the former rulers all return to sit at the feet of their new master, the one among them who can provide food. Nature has decided for them.