When we judge others’ merit by their fashion, rank, or wealth, rather than by their morality, we become vulgar. Morality and purity of heart prove our worth, not status or fashion.
In his short story, “Going to the Springs,” T. S. Arthur shows that morality is far superior to rank, riches, and fashions. He shows that, when some of the Ludlow women value fashion, rank, and wealth above anything else, they lose everything that is worth having.
The Ludlow family—Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow, and their daughters Emily, Adeline, and Florence—is a wealthy merchant family whose summer tradition is to visit Saratoga Springs, New York. However, Emily announces to her Uncle Joseph that they will not visit Saratoga this summer, since the springs have become so unpleasant, with an increasing number of “vulgar people.” Emily, Adeline, and Mrs. Ludlow wish to go to London instead; it is, of course, far more fashionable….