Elizabeth Gaskell was a highly acclaimed English writer during the 19th century. Her most notable work, North and South, published in 1855, eloquently captured the essence of the industrial revolution. In this article, we will delve into Gaskell's life, her significant works and their underlying themes, as well as her impact on English Literature.
On September 29, 1810, Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson was born in Chelsea, London. She was one of eight children, but only she and her older brother John survived infancy. Her father, William Stevenson, was a writer and held a minor position in the Treasury. He was also a devoted Unitarian, which greatly influenced Gaskell. Interestingly, Gaskell was named after her mother, who came from an affluent and successful family.
Gaskell's life took a tragic turn as her mother passed away during childbirth when she was just thirteen months old. She was then sent to live with her mother's sister, Hannah Lumb, in Cheshire. This experience had a significant impact on Gaskell and is believed to have inspired the setting of her novel Cranford (1853). Her father remarried, but Gaskell rarely visited him and her stepmother. Her older brother, John, joined the merchant navy in 1820.
Gaskell received her education at home until the age of eleven, after which she attended a school that primarily taught Anglicans and Unitarians. The school emphasized the importance of female education and domestic duties for women.
Marriage and Literary Career
In August 1832, Gaskell married William Gaskell, an assistant Unitarian minister. They settled in Manchester, where Gaskell witnessed firsthand the poverty and struggles of industrial life. Due to her husband's ministry, she became actively involved in charitable work, which is said to have influenced the themes in her novel North and South. The couple had four daughters, but unfortunately, Gaskell lost multiple children at a young age, which deeply affected her.
Gaskell had a passion for literature and wrote sporadically in her early years. However, it wasn't until her late 1840s that she began to take writing seriously. Her first novel, Mary Barton: a Story of Manchester Life, was published in 1848. This novel shed light on the harsh reality of industrial life in Manchester and caused controversy among local factory owners, ultimately giving Gaskell notoriety. This notoriety provided the opportunity for her to mingle with distinguished literary figures such as Charles Dickens and William Wordsworth. She also formed a close bond with Charlotte Brontë and became a writer for Dickens' literary magazine, Household Words.
In 1853, Gaskell published two novels, Ruth and Cranford. While Ruth sparked controversy due to its portrayal of sexual themes and illegitimate children, Cranford was a success and did not stir up any controversy. In 1855, Gaskell's novel North and South, which also delved into the industrial life of Manchester, was serialized in Household Words. She continued to publish numerous texts and short stories, including The Life of Charlotte Brontë (1857), which she wrote at the request of Brontë's father after her passing.
In 1865, Gaskell bought a home in Hampshire, which she kept secret from her husband, as she was unwell and under immense stress. While working on her final novel, Wives and Daughters, in her new home with her family, Gaskell suddenly collapsed and passed away from a heart attack. She was believed to have died instantly. Her last published work, Wives and Daughters, was released in two volumes in 1866.
Published in October 1848, Mary Barton: a Story of Manchester Life is Gaskell's debut novel. It follows the story of Mary Barton, a young woman living in industrial Manchester, and her struggles in life and love.
One noteworthy aspect of this novel is the character of Mary Barton, a common feature in realist fiction. By focusing on one central character's everyday life, the story aimed to be more realistic.
The novel also delves into the theme of industrial life, exemplified through the character of John Barton, a working man and advocate for the trade union movement. After losing his wife and becoming a single father, John becomes entangled in a complex murder plot that also centers around the theme of love.
In Elizabeth Gaskell's novel "Mary Barton," the character of Mary finds herself in a love triangle between Jem Wilson, a working class man, and Harry Carson, the son of a wealthy mill owner. Despite her feelings for Jem, Mary considers marrying Harry for social advantages. However, when Harry is killed and Jem is falsely accused, Mary takes a stand to clear his name. Eventually, Jem and Mary find happiness together.
Aside from "Mary Barton," Gaskell is also known for her other popular novels such as "Cranford," "North and South," and "Wives and Daughters." Each of these works provides insight into the societal norms and the changing role of women during the Victorian era.
"Cranford," published in 1853 and originally serialized in "Household Words," is a highly acclaimed novel by Gaskell. It tells the story of a group of middle-aged and older women living in the rural town of Cranford. These women lead a life governed by traditional social conventions and the novel showcases their independence and ability to thrive without relying on men, which was not a common portrayal during that time. The story is narrated by Mary Smith, a former resident of Cranford who now resides in Manchester. As an outsider, Mary offers a unique perspective on the community and its strict values. Though the novel lacks a conventional plot, the various characters and their interconnected stories offer a glimpse into the daily lives and events of a close-knit rural community during the Victorian era.
"North and South," published in 1855, is another significant work by Gaskell that touches upon themes of industrial life as seen in "Mary Barton." The novel follows the journey of Margaret Hale, an eighteen-year-old girl who moves from her quiet life in the southern English countryside to the bustling industrial town of Milton, a fictionalized version of Manchester. Through her experiences in Milton, Margaret learns to let go of her middle-class prejudices and becomes more open-minded. She also forms an unlikely relationship with John Thornton, a self-made factory owner who rose from poverty, reflecting the changing times of the Industrial Revolution in Britain. This period in history, lasting from the mid-18th to mid-19th century, saw a significant shift from an agricultural-based society to a more industrial and mechanized one, with lasting effects even today. As Margaret and John come from different backgrounds and hold opposing views, their interactions teach Margaret to respect others' perspectives and also gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the poor in the rapidly changing industrial world. Some critics suggest that Margaret symbolizes the traditional South while John represents the modern North, and Gaskell presents a balanced view without providing an easy solution to the societal changes taking place.
Last but not least, "Wives and Daughters," published posthumously in 1866, is Gaskell's final work, although it remains unfinished. The novel follows the life of Molly Gibson, a young woman who must navigate society's expectations and the challenges of love and marriage during the Victorian era. While Gaskell passed away before completing the novel, it still offers an insightful look into the lives of women during this time period.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Gaskell's works provide valuable insights into Victorian society, particularly the roles and expectations of women during a time of significant social and industrial change. Each novel offers a unique perspective, showcasing Gaskell's ability to captivate readers while also shedding light on important societal issues.
The theme of the "marriage market" was a prevalent focus in nineteenth century literature, especially among female authors like Elizabeth Gaskell. During this period, women were not expected to work and their financial security relied heavily on marriage. This was particularly true for middle and upper class women who had no other means of support. As a result, marriages were often arranged for convenience and financial gain rather than love. Gaskell's novel, Wives and Daughters, sheds light on the impact of the marriage market on individuals, specifically through Molly's love interest, Roger Hamley.
The Industrial Revolution was a central theme in many of Gaskell's literary works, such as Mary Barton and North and South. Her novel, Cranford, also touches on the effects of industrialization on society. Gaskell reflects the harsh realities of life in newly developed towns, often exposing the exploitation of workers by factory owners. Her writing is grounded in realism, with relatable characters and everyday situations.
In addition to the Industrial Revolution, love and marriage are predominant themes in Gaskell's works. Most of her novels feature young women as protagonists, often on the threshold of adulthood and discovering romantic love. Although the marriage market was a harsh reality for women during this time, Gaskell frequently allows her heroines to ultimately marry for love. However, these love stories also serve a higher purpose, often teaching a moral lesson or delving into complex social issues.
Gaskell portrays a diverse range of relationships in her writing, but they typically share one common outcome - a happy ending. This is evident in Wives and Daughters, where Molly and Roger's love prevails, and in North and South, where Margaret and John's love helps bridge their differing perspectives. However, Gaskell is also known for using love stories to delve deeper into social issues. In Wives and Daughters, the repercussions of marrying for status rather than love are illustrated through the character of Cynthia.
Not all of Gaskell's works follow traditional marriage plots. For example, Cranford challenges societal expectations by featuring a lack of male characters and married women. This subversion of gender roles raises the question - why did Gaskell choose to do this?
Gaskell's letters to her friends reveal her struggle to balance traditional societal roles as a mother and wife with her writing ambitions. This inner conflict was a recurring theme in her life, as she also wrote a significant number of short stories.
One of Gaskell's most controversial novels, Mary Barton, faced strong backlash and even had copies burned by members of her husband's congregation. Nevertheless, her works have continued to be adapted into numerous film and television productions, including the popular BBC series North and South in 2004 and Cranford in 2007.
Gaskell's extensive travels, particularly to France, provided her with valuable inspiration from different cultures and environments for her writing.
However, her letters primarily showcase her strong belief in the importance of community and human connections. She prioritized these above all else, even admiring how Florence Nightingale placed her relationships with others above her own causes.
Although Gaskell's novels are often categorized as realist fiction, they go beyond portraying everyday life. She deftly tackled relevant issues of her time, particularly the Industrial Revolution, in a relatable and honest manner.
Elizabeth Gaskell, an English writer born on September 29, 1810, faced numerous challenges as a female writer in a male-dominated industry. Despite this, she used her platform to give a voice to women and their struggles during the Industrial Revolution. This can be seen in works such as Cranford, where she portrays a community of single women thriving without relying on men.
Gaskell's upbringing was marked by tragedy, as she lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her aunt. Despite this, she went on to become a well-known writer, with notable works including Mary Barton, Cranford, North and South, and Wives and Daughters. Many of her works were first serialized in the popular publication Household Words, edited by Charles Dickens.
Through her writing, Gaskell explored the themes of the Industrial Revolution and the complexities of love and marriage. Her realistic depiction of these issues in society solidified her position as a significant figure in English literature. However, her life was cut short by a sudden heart attack in 1865.
In Jenny Uglow's 'Gaskell [née Stevenson], Elizabeth Cleghorn (1810-1865)', Gaskell's work is still studied and celebrated today, highlighting her enduring impact.
Who was Elizabeth Gaskell? Elizabeth Gaskell was a prominent English writer of the nineteenth century, renowned for her accurate portrayal of social and women's issues during the Industrial Revolution.
How did Elizabeth Gaskell's life come to an end? Gaskell passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1865, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
What were the main themes in Elizabeth Gaskell's writing? Gaskell's writing delved into the effects of the Industrial Revolution on society and the intricacies of love and marriage.
Why is Elizabeth Gaskell still celebrated today? Elizabeth Gaskell's enduring impact stems from her ability to capture the realities of her time and bring attention to important social and women's issues.
What inspired Elizabeth Gaskell to write North and South? While we can only speculate, it is likely that Gaskell wrote North and South as a commentary on the evolving world of the Industrial Revolution and the traditional way of life that was being left behind.
