“I mustn’t see my gentleman a footing it in the mire of the streets; there mustn’t be no mud on his boots. My gentleman must have horses, Pip! Horses to ride, and horses to drive, and horses for his servant to ride and drive as well. Shall colonists have their horses (and blood ‘uns, if you please, good Lord!) and not my London gentleman? No, no.”
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 40. The theme of social class is shown by this speech by Magwitch to Pip. Magwitch is advising that a gentleman like Pip shouldn’t walk through the muddy streets of London, but ride a horse. Horses are a symbol of wealth and status. The advice is ironic since it comes from a convict like Magwitch, who is far from being a gentleman.