Carlyle expresses his ideas about the Condition of England question in an elevated rhetorical style invoking classical allusions ( such as Midas and the Sphinx ) and fictional caricatures ( such as Bobus and Sir Jabesh Windbag ) . Carlyle complains that despite England 's abundant resources , the poor are starving and unable to find meaningful work , as evinced by the Manchester Insurrection . Carlyle argues that the ruling class needs to guide the nation , and supports an " Aristocracy of Talent " . But in line with his concept of " hero-worship " , Carlyle argues that first the English must themselves become heroic in order to esteem true heroes rather than quacks
Manchester Insurrection
Peterloo Massacre
Past and Present (book)