Discussion Question 9 **SPOILERS**

9. Clarissa and others have a heightened sense of the "splendid achievement" and continuity of English history, culture, and tradition. How do Clarissa and others respond to that history and culture? What specific elements of English history and culture are viewed as primary? How does Clarissa's attitude, specifically, compare with Septimus's attitude on these points?

Well, everyone wondered who was in the "limo" (can't recall the term of the vehicle) at the beginning of the book. Maybe the queen? And they thought it so important to have the Prime Minister invited to the party. And to serve high up in government and be a success. Looking this over, I am not really sure if that has anything to do with history or tradition or not. Septimus seems more concerned with how the everyday person has been affected by the political events. He does not care who is in the vehicle.
--BJ

I think Septimus sees the vehicle and Clarissa sees the inhabitant. Septimus knows he and the millions like him won't ever see the inside of that vehicle and it makes him feel he's been robbed, or at least dealt with unfairly, by the society he gave his all to protect. Clarissa, on the other hand, sees the vehicle and thinks the inhabitant (obviously grand) could be someone she'll entertain that very evening, if she's lucky.