In what ways does Mayhew’s depiction of the housing crisis and the struggles of lodging house dwellers offer insights into the complexities of housing affordability, homelessness, and the erosion of privacy in 19th-century London? Refer to passages from the text to support your views.

How do Mayhew’s personal biases and subjective viewpoints shape his writing, and what implications does this have for readers’ interpretation of the lives of the book’s subjects? Cite relevant passages from the text or external research.

How does the work exemplify the power of storytelling and firsthand accounts in fostering empathy, awareness, and a sense of shared humanity, bridging the gap between different socioeconomic classes? Refer to examples from the text to support your views.