The Hated Hugh

Hugh is constantly referred to as admirable. However, only the women hold Hugh highly (except Sally). Peter, who possesses no negative view of anyone else, notes that those who are "battering the brains of a girl out in a train do less harm on the whole than Hugh Whitbread and his kindness"(Woolf 173).  This bold statement is brutal but does not seem to hold much weight because the concept of kindness causing harm is paradoxical. The men see him as completely priggish, yet a negative effect of Hugh's acts cannot be found. Although I struggle to find the true issue, I suspect that they hold a strong dislike for Hugh because he perpetuates the stereotype of the British upperclassman. (Sally, being a radical, partially resented the rich English society and, therefore Hugh.) His continuance of a rich stereotype explains the reactions of the women including Lady Bruton and Clarissa. All of them enjoy the feeling of high society. Hugh's mannerisms represent that society so their association with him makes them feel accepted in the upper class. For example, the older women at the party end up "thinking themselves quite forgotten," but then they find "dear Hugh driving up and spending an hour talking" (Woolf 173). The metaphor of the women being brought back into the atmosphere of the party by talking to Hugh represents how he makes the women to feel connected with the upper class because he embodies the privileged man with perfect manners and an air of wealth.