People of Position

"People of Position" by Stanley Portal Hyatt is a story set around the turn of the century, revolving around social class, who we are, and the difficulties someone has when dealing with what society expects. The book tells the story of Jimmy Grierson, who comes home to England after living in other countries for many years. Jimmy has to deal with the feelings he has about a friend passing away while at the same time dealing with his own feeling of not succeeding in life. The very beginning of the book paints a picture of people caught up in what others think of them and the position they hold, particularly through Jimmy's family. As Jimmy tries to fit back into his family, his sister, May, worries about Jimmy's future and if Jimmy will be able to fit in to the way they live their lives. The story also shows us Jimmy's exciting past when holding it up next to what is happening to him now, offering the reader a clear understanding of what Jimmy is thinking and going through, as well as the stress being put on him by family who want to protecting their social image. All of this creates an environment for a story of finding oneself and trying to find meaning set against the limitations of society during the early 1900s.