In spite of Hugh social or economic class, he is unique compared to the other iron mill workers. He possesses an artistic natural talent for sculpting. Hugh created during his free time a sculpture of a woman made out of iron symbolizing the story of social oppression in which iron workers lived in. The class background, family ties, or natural talents of an individual are important factors in determining their income and position in society. Individuals have to develop and use their natural abilities such as Hugh who, “slowly built before him out of his knowledge…day by day made his hope a real thing to himself, a clear projected image of himself” (Davis 18). The characters of Mitchell and May believe him to be very talented and acknowledged
