Despite the existing social order literally dying away, the villagers of Eyam still adhere to the rules of that social order. What's up with that? While there are many possible answers to this question, we think it's because it gives these people a sense of order and stability. They really need both right now.

Josiah Bont's anger toward the upper class is rooted in childhood trauma. In a way, this might explain his exploitation of the other villagers' suffering. He's doing something that he sees aristocrats doing to commoners like him every day. In his bitter mind, he doesn't understand why he shouldn't be allowed to do the same.