The Marrow of Tradition Lesson Plan

What is significant about Polly Ochiltree's unethical and illegal eviction of Julia and Janet? Why does she feel justified in her actions? How do her actions relate to Major Carteret's insistence in Chapter VII that he has the right to use his house against social changes in the city?

The revelation that Samuel Merkell legally married Julia and left her the house radically changes the power relations in Wellington. Major Carteret and Olivia have been operating on the assumption that they have the legal right to do as they please with their house, including barring Dr. Miller from entering. But the revelation of Polly's actions indicates that they are not the rightful heirs...