"North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell (1854): A Review

Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South (1854) is a compelling social novel that offers a vivid portrayal of industrialization in 19th-century England, weaving together themes of class, social change, love, and moral responsibility. The novel follows Margaret Hale, a young woman from the rural south of England, as she moves with her family to the industrial town of Milton in the North. Through Margaret’s experiences, Gaskell explores the stark contrasts between the rural, agricultural south and the rapidly growing industrial north, making it both a poignant social commentary and a classic love story.

Set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, North and South examines the tension between the industrial and rural ways of life, while also tackling the complex relationships between employers and workers, the class system, and the role of women in society. The novel’s combination of rich character development, social critique, and romance makes it a significant work in the history of English literature and a precursor to many later works in the realist tradition.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with Margaret Hale, the daughter of a clergyman, living in the idyllic southern town of Helstone. Her life changes when her father, a minister, resigns from his position due to a crisis of conscience regarding the Church of England’s doctrines. The Hale family moves to the industrial town of Milton in the North, where Margaret’s father has taken up a new position as a private tutor.

In Milton, Margaret is confronted with a world entirely different from the peaceful rural life she once knew. The town is polluted, noisy, and overcrowded, with factories dotting the landscape. Margaret’s initial reaction to Milton is one of disapproval, particularly regarding the harsh working conditions in the factories and the stark class divisions she encounters.

Margaret soon becomes acquainted with John Thornton, a wealthy and powerful mill owner, and the two begin a complex relationship. Thornton represents the industrialized world that Margaret struggles to understand and respect. Initially, Margaret views him as cold, domineering, and exploitative, especially after witnessing his stern management style at the mill. However, as the novel progresses, she learns more about Thornton’s character, his commitment to his workers, and his personal struggles. Despite their differences, Margaret and Thornton’s relationship deepens, and their mutual respect eventually leads to romantic love.

The novel also explores Margaret’s relationship with her family and friends, including her growing concern for the workers in Milton, particularly after witnessing a workers’ strike and the resulting violence. She becomes increasingly involved in the lives of those around her, including the suffering mill workers and the tragic love story of her friend, Bessie, a mill worker. Throughout the novel, Margaret wrestles with questions of class, morality, and responsibility as she becomes more aware of the social injustices in Milton.

The story culminates in a series of emotional revelations and dramatic confrontations, as Margaret must come to terms with her feelings for Thornton, her own social position, and the personal sacrifices she must make for the greater good.

Themes and Analysis

1. Class Conflict and Social Change

One of the central themes of North and South is the tension between the rural south and the industrial north of England. Gaskell contrasts the idyllic, slower-paced life in the countryside with the fast-paced, polluted, and increasingly class-divided industrial town of Milton. Margaret’s initial disgust with Milton’s industrial environment reflects the divide between the old agrarian economy and the new capitalist industrial system.

Throughout the novel, Gaskell critiques the social and economic inequalities of the time, particularly the exploitation of factory workers. The relationship between Margaret and John Thornton represents this class divide, as Thornton is a self-made mill owner who embodies the industrial spirit, while Margaret represents the ideals of the traditional, rural upper classes. The novel provides a balanced portrayal of both the mill owners and the workers, showing the complexities and struggles on both sides of the industrial divide.

The book also examines how industrialization affects human relationships. While Thornton’s wealth and success are built on the hard work of his employees, he is also a compassionate and forward-thinking businessman who cares about his workers’ welfare. However, he is often at odds with the more paternalistic attitudes of the southern gentry, like Margaret’s father, who see themselves as morally superior but are disconnected from the realities of industrial life.

2. Gender and Women’s Roles

Another important theme in North and South is the role of women in Victorian society. Margaret is portrayed as an independent and strong-willed woman who is forced to confront the expectations placed on her by both her family and society. As the daughter of a clergyman, she is expected to behave in a certain way, but Margaret’s experiences in Milton force her to reevaluate her values and assumptions about class, work, and morality.

Margaret’s growing awareness of the world around her challenges the traditional role of women in the Victorian era, as she takes on a more active, involved role in the lives of the workers in Milton. Unlike many other female characters in Victorian novels, Margaret is not simply a passive observer of social issues; she is a moral agent who becomes increasingly engaged with the world around her.

The relationship between Margaret and John Thornton also highlights the complexities of gender dynamics. While Thornton is initially portrayed as a domineering, patriarchal figure, his growing respect for Margaret reflects the evolving nature of gender relations in the changing social landscape of industrial England. Margaret’s intelligence, independence, and strong sense of morality ultimately challenge Thornton’s traditional views on women and reshape their relationship.

3. Love and Morality

At its core, North and South is a love story between Margaret and John Thornton, but it is also an exploration of how love is intertwined with morality, class, and social responsibility. Margaret’s journey from disdain to love for Thornton mirrors her broader evolution as she learns to understand and appreciate the complexities of the industrial world.

The novel examines how love and morality intersect in the lives of the characters. For example, Margaret’s relationship with Thornton is complicated by her growing understanding of his role in the exploitation of workers, and her struggle to reconcile her romantic feelings with her moral concerns. Thornton, too, is forced to confront his own assumptions about class and social responsibility as he falls in love with Margaret.

The love story is not just about romantic attraction; it is also about personal growth, social responsibility, and moral awakening. Margaret and Thornton’s love ultimately represents the possibility of reconciliation between different classes, social ideals, and personal values.

4. Moral Responsibility and Personal Growth

Margaret’s personal growth throughout the novel is deeply tied to her increasing awareness of the social, political, and economic forces shaping the world around her. Her initial disdain for Milton’s industrial world gives way to a deeper understanding of the complexities of class, labor, and human suffering. Through her interactions with the mill workers, she becomes more attuned to the realities of the working class and the moral responsibility of those in power.

Her evolving sense of duty and morality challenges the traditional expectations of women in her social class, as she takes a more active role in addressing social inequalities. This growth is mirrored in her relationship with Thornton, as she learns to reconcile her idealism with the realities of the world and find a balance between personal happiness and social responsibility.

Literary Style

Gaskell’s writing in North and South is characterized by its detailed character development, emotional depth, and social realism. The novel is a blend of social commentary and romantic drama, using the relationship between Margaret and Thornton as a lens through which to examine broader social and political issues.

The narrative alternates between action and reflection, with Gaskell taking care to develop the emotional and psychological depth of her characters. The dialogue is natural and often laced with moral and philosophical insights, allowing Gaskell to explore the complexities of class, gender, and morality in Victorian society.

Gaskell’s portrayal of the industrial north and the rural south of England is vivid and richly detailed, emphasizing the contrast between the two settings and the social tensions that arise as a result of industrialization. The novel’s pacing is steady, allowing Gaskell to develop the characters and their relationships with nuance and depth.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its publication, North and South was well-received, particularly for its timely and relevant exploration of the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. The novel’s portrayal of class struggles and its sympathetic treatment of the working class were praised by readers and critics alike. Gaskell’s attention to the complexities of gender, morality, and class relations also made the novel stand out among the social novels of the time.

Today, North and South is regarded as one of Gaskell’s finest works, alongside Mary Barton and Cranford. It continues to be admired for its nuanced portrayal of industrial society and its timeless exploration of love, morality, and personal growth. The novel has been adapted for film and television, further solidifying its place in popular culture and its enduring appeal.

Conclusion

North and South is a richly layered and emotionally compelling novel that tackles the social, moral, and political issues of its time with depth and sensitivity. Through the character of Margaret Hale, Gaskell explores themes of class, gender, love, and personal growth, while also offering a powerful critique of the industrial revolution and its impact on society. With its memorable characters, timeless themes, and sharp social commentary, North and South remains a classic of Victorian literature and continues to resonate with readers today.