What do we learn about life in the 18th century and how successfully does the writer convey this information by telling us a good story? The story is set in the 18th century and includes factual information that plays a vital role in the plot. Use this information by entertaining readers with a fictional plot. It's based on one thing in particular, hence the title "The Coram Boy", which is the Coram hospital. A main factor in the plot is how the writer describes society's attitude towards poverty in the 18th century. The poor were treated tremendously differently than upper class people. Many people even lived on the streets. For example, "He made his way through the hordes of homeless children who gathered in the evening, like starlings, to look for the most sheltered niche in which they could curl up for the night." The writer uses immense detail to help the reader visualize the scene. He also uses a simile to help the reader compare the circumstances the children find themselves in. This shows that poor children had to live on the streets and fend for themselves during the 18th century. Another example involves a brief description of the city where the poor people lived. This is "nor when he smelled the open sewers and the grazing pigs, and the manure of the horses and mules." This gives a clear example of the state of the city. It's dirty and rancid and the writer includes it while maintaining her fictional plot. Another factor in the plot is society's attitude towards class differences. Upper class people were never allowed to socialize with lower class people. For example, Alice, who is a young girl born to a rich, high-class family, wonders why she cannot marry Thomas, a lower-class boy. This is answered with “Because he is not a gentleman.” Upper class people were not allowed to marry outside their class. If they did it would be considered shameful and parents would often disown their children. Another example is: "He was never so ashamed as when he saw their eyes scanning his heavy jacket and breeches, his hobnail boots and cotton shirt - and these were his best clothes" is when Thomas visit Alexander's house. Alexander is much higher class. It shows how it feels to be in the company of upper class people.