Leonard Bast seems to take on two approaches towards his insecurity. It is interesting that his insecurity stems from his low social class, but he tries to remedy it not by working harder in business, but rather by reading more and expanding his vocabulary. One could argue this proves that his class level is an accurate definition for his intelligence. Instead of catching up to the Schlegels by closing the gap where he recognizes, (something the narrator eludes to in the start of Chapter 27 when he says “’I can never thank you sufficiently, Miss Schlegel,’ was all that Leonard felt equal to.”) rather he compensates with higher education. Moreover, his insecurity once again rises, as he lies, telling Margaret Schlegel that he ‘gets no time for
