It is a consensus of appreciation for the old values, where tradition is as important as family or health. It suggests an intrinsic nature whereby disruption created by newcomers will not be tolerated, Ravloe will remain "undrowned".
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Elliot's description prevails and Ravloe is painted verbally in sharp, graphic bursts that help to evoke strong mental images; setting a picturesque scene that lays ground for her to build upon.
Indifferent to the rest of the world, its inhabitants are content and justified in their use of manual labour - "it was never reached by the vibrations of public opinion" - quite oblivious in their dismissal of the changes inaugurating elsewhere.
We can see the important focus on individualism and history where residents are concerned; families can be traced back generations and it is meaningful that neighbours are made aware of this so that trust can be developed and backgrounds between locals are at an understanding.
The "greatest man in Ravloe" was Squire Cass, who lived in "the large red house" at the head of the village. The colour of the house, we discover is very symbolic considering its occupiers - the colour red being associated with blood, danger - this imagery not only adds realism but helps to develop the underlying sinister air which pervades; coupled with the strong notion of disharmony between the two Cass brothers - "Don't come near me with that look, else i"ll knock you down." Godfrey's reaction to Dunsey's indirect threat of exposing his infidelity.
In minor contrast to the Cass" dispiriting situation we see that the village is prospering, set against the background of a thriving economy at the time of the Napoleonic wars, no-one needed to work to hard to earn a living:.
"There were several chiefs in Ravloe who could farm quite badly at ease, drawing enough money from their bad farming in those war times, to live in a rollicking fashion, and keep a jolly christmas, Whitsun and Eastertide!".
