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Mary Barton

by Elizabeth Gaskell, Shirley Foster (Editor)

3.58 · rating details · 1,927 ratings · 211 reviews

Set in Manchester in the 1840s, Mary Barton depicts the effects of economic and physical hardship upon the city's working-class community. Paralleling the novel's treatment of the relationship between masters and men, the suffering of the poor, and the workmen's angry response, is the story of Mary herself--a factory-worker's daughter who attracts the attentions of the mil...more

Paperback, 437 pages

Published January 11th 2009 by Oxford University Press, USA (first published 1848)

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Jun 22, 2007

Jessica rated it

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Mary Barton is a wonderful failure of a novel, in all of the classic Victorian ways–the love plot is overwrought, the ending is melodramatic, the moralizing is far too heavy, and the epigraphs are obnoxious. But, somehow, in the middle of all those problems, Elizabeth Gaskell manages to capture perfectly something important. Mary Barton is a "Condition of England" novel, a meditation on the plight of Manchester cotton weavers in the depression of the early 1840's. This is the Mancheste...more

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Apr 09, 2011

Diana rated it

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Shelves: classic-lit, 2010, politics, could-not-finish, overrated-classics

Ok, I could not--COULD NOT--finish this.
Maybe it was just too close on the heels of Vanity Fair. Maybe I'm just sick of High Victorian Melodrama. Maybe I've just tried to read too much 19th century literature in a (relatively) short space of time.
Whatever it was, I could barely stand reading this, which really is a shame as I normally quite like Elizabeth Gaskell.
But, since it had gotten to the point that I was having to force myself to read this book (which was supposed to...moreOk, I could not--COULD NOT--finish this.
Maybe it was just too close on the heels of Vanity Fair. Maybe I'm just sick of High Victorian Melodrama. Maybe I've just tried to read too much 19th century literature in a (relatively) short space of time.
Whatever it was, I could barely stand reading this, which really is a shame as I normally quite like Elizabeth Gaskell.
But, since it had gotten to the point that I was having to force myself to read this book (which was supposed to be for pleasure), and hating nearly every minute of it, and so aggravated I constantly wanted to argue with someone over it, I decided that enough was enough, and that I'm not actually obligated in anyway to finish it.

To make at least a few notes on the books itself, you can tell it's an early book (her first, I think?). Writing wise, it lacks maturity and polish, and awareness of what actually makes a good narrative. The story itself is conceivably good except, as I mentioned before, the extreme melodrama of it. And while the subject is very interesting (Trade Unions and striking workers in the 1840's, relations between the classes in Manchester, possibilities and consequences of seeking marriage outside one's class) the entire book is written with a sort of condescension which exposes Gaskell as the upper-middle class outsider that she was: someone who ultimately doesn't and probably can't (or just won't) really understand what she's talking about, all of her work with the poor notwithstanding. Her sympathies are too completely with the masters--even when she knows they're wrong, and even when she tries to show understanding for the workers. She never stops defending the system, never stops criticizing Trade Unions, the Chartists, the Communists, or any radical/progressive movement or thought which vocally and forcefully questions the justice of the current system. She seems to be wringing her hands at all the violence and anger, but whenever presented with an actual problem she has no answer except the vague, feel-good, and essentially useless sentiment of, "Well, who knows why these horrible things happen; let's all just hold hands, love one another, and trust God to do something."
Basically, all of the problems I've had with her other writings--her simplistic treatment of the poor, her (very Victorian) obsession with "maiden-modesty" etc, her refusal to questions current mores or the privilege and unneeded wealth of the upper classes--are here in full force, and whereas in Wives and Daughters & North and South these were relatively small issues in otherwise superbly written tales that were well thought out and thought provoking, in this novel it's the entire focus and just plain provoking.(less)

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Aug 06, 2008

Kristin rated it

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This was my first foray into the world of Elizabeth Gaskell and it was a pleasant introduction. She was first brought to my notice when I watched the BBC production of her novel "North and South" which I thought was fabulous (I highly recommend it). I determined to read the book on which it was based to see how they compared, but then decided to instead start with the first book she had written and read N&S a little later. I was curious whether "Mary Barton" would read like a...moreThis was my first foray into the world of Elizabeth Gaskell and it was a pleasant introduction. She was first brought to my notice when I watched the BBC production of her novel "North and South" which I thought was fabulous (I highly recommend it). I determined to read the book on which it was based to see how they compared, but then decided to instead start with the first book she had written and read N&S a little later. I was curious whether "Mary Barton" would read like an Austen novel, but discovered that Gaskell has her own distinct style. For example: there is far less wit and humor in her books (I'm currently reading a second book), and they revolve around the lives of the poor working class English rather than the lives of the idle rich. I think the lack of wit, rather than missing because Gaskell didn't have the talent to include it, was very purposefully done as it added to the tone and setting of the stories.

Gaskell was apparently very interested in the plight of the downtrodden especially as it fit into her time period of the 1850s when England was experiencing its Industrial Revolution and factories were springing up all over. This was leading to strikes and worker rights. This is not to say that she portrays her characters as utterly defeated in spirit and life through misery. She manages to show that her characters are happy though they struggle and most of all, what is important to her was to show how different families supported one another through all manner of hardship. I don't think her intentions were to necessarily make people feel sorry for the workers, but just to enlighten people about their way of life and show that as a people they are very much like anyone else.

Now about the plot: sometimes it seems in today's age of plots, the more complex a plot the better, and without amazing plot twists there can be no interest for the reader (or viewer for that matter). But the plot of "Mary Barton" is comparatively distinct and simple. A girl, on the edge of adulthood (one Mary Barton) ekes out an existence with her family and we follow along with her as she makes acquaintances and begins to discover what she wants in her life and the resulting difficulties that present themselves. I appreciated that Gaskell manages to convey clear complex thoughts in simple ways. Somehow putting into words feelings and thoughts that would have stumped me if I had to do it. Thoughts and dilemmas that are very much relevant to the 21st century. Not that much has changed.

In sum, although I did enjoy this book...enough that I've picked up the next and plan to read more of them, I don't think that I would put this in my top 5 books list. I do think that it's worth a read though. Especially by anyone who enjoys 19th century British literature. Just bear in mind that it's not known as one of Gaskell's best. Simply her first. (less)

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Sep 01, 2008

Holly rated it

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Shelves: historical-fiction, classics

I'm not sure why I feel the need to read 19th century women's British lit, but I always go back to it, whether it's re-reading Austen or trying out new titles and authors. At first it was reading anything by Austen or that was Austenesque in period, satire, and romance. Now I've come to love reading the formal British diction and grammar - long sentences, Hackney London accents, and all. It's also an interesting way to learn about and live the historical period.

That said, I've r...more

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Feb 12, 2008

K. rated it

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Shelves: regency-and-victorian-british-era

Okay, I am turning into a major E. Gaskell fan. I absolutely loved this book. It was her first, and got a bit melodramatic in places, but I think she made it work. "North and South" was definitely better crafted, but this was just as good a story.

Gaskell wrote at the same time as Dickens, Industrial Age Britian. She lived in Manchester (trade town) and knew the condiditions there very well. She does a great job at describing the real living circumstances of the rich and po...more

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Feb 09, 2012

Helen rated it

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Shelves: novel

Mary is apprenticed to a milliner and dressmaker but dreams of escaping her family's poverty and becoming a lady. She is adored by Jen Wilson, the son of an old family friend, but pretty Mary's head is turned by mill owner's son Harry Carson, and she dreams of becoming his wife.[return][return]Mary's father, a weaver, has a deep and bitter hatred of the rich. Only the poor, he says, help the poor. The death of mill worker Mr Davenport seems to bear this out - Carson Snr can't even remember Daven...moreMary is apprenticed to a milliner and dressmaker but dreams of escaping her family's poverty and becoming a lady. She is adored by Jen Wilson, the son of an old family friend, but pretty Mary's head is turned by mill owner's son Harry Carson, and she dreams of becoming his wife.[return][return]Mary's father, a weaver, has a deep and bitter hatred of the rich. Only the poor, he says, help the poor. The death of mill worker Mr Davenport seems to bear this out - Carson Snr can't even remember Davenport, he's just one of many, while it's left to Mr Barton and other neighbours to rally round and help the family of the dead man.[return][return]Mary's aunt, Esther, is rarely physically present in the novel, but in her absence she exists as an example to Mary of what not to become. Mr Barton blames Esther, who went away to 'better herself', for his wife's death. As he predicts, Esther ends up as a drink-addicted prostitute.[return][return]It is only after Jem has proposed marriage, and been turned down, that Mary realises she loves him. It seems, however, that this wake-up call has come too late. Henry Carson is murdered and Jem is arrested and tried, although later acquited of the crime.[return][return]As Mary and Jem both separately suspect, the murderer was Mary's own father, his better judgement affected by his inability to find work, the earlier death of his son, and the grinding poverty he sees around him in contrast to the comparatively luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by mill owners like the Carsons.[return][return]The second half of the book in particular is quite exciting, as Mary rushes around trying to find the cousin who can provide Jem with an alibi. It's a much less sentimental novel than I was expecting, and although the subject matter is bleak, it's also a very redemptive story. Although Mr Barton dies, he dies forgiven by Harry's father, and even poor broken Esther receives some much-needed loving-kindness. Mary and Jem (and Jem's mother) begin a new life in Canada. [Nov 2004](less)

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Jul 26, 2010

Lynne rated it

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Just as the back of the book will tell you, Gaskell's story is a love story but is also very much a story of social commentary. I read Adam Bede (Eliot) in January, and I'm wondering if there's this similar Victorian vein of observing and testing out the moral fiber of the characters, which is fascinating (hmm, also in Thomas Hardy, so, yes, perhaps). Gaskell also points out the religious ideas her characters are sometimes mulling over or struggling with. She looks at the repercussions of our ...more

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Sep 17, 2011

Karene rated it

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I like books that motivate me to introspection. I think that was what I liked best about Mary Barton. I didn't realize until after I'd finished reading it that this is Elizabeth Gaskell's first novel. I think that explains some of its flaws. However, it also goes to show what an incredible author she is. Gaskell really delves into social issues in her novels, and this is no exception. For those who have read North and South, it is somewhat reminiscent of that novel in that a good deal of t...more

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May 18, 2011

Amanda May rated it

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Mary Barton traces the moral struggles of the title character, whose purity is challenged by the influence of her Aunt Esther. It is also a tale about the hardships of the working class during the depression and one man's vigilante action against the rich mill owners who trapped them in that position. The novel itself is full of Biblical and poetic allusions, placed at the beginning of every chapter as a sort of precursor to the plot events of that chapter.

Up until the last few pages o...more

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Jun 24, 2011

Nancy rated it

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Shelves: classics, cultural-history, favorites, historical-novel, murder

Elizabeth Gaskell is a classic writer. Her characters have depth and her descriptions are detailed. She makes it hard to read modern works in which, most of the time, the writing is much thiner.
I can put this no better than the description on the back of the book, which reads in part:
"While it is certianly possible to consult Mary Barton as a social document depicting Manchester in the "hungry forties" with appalling precision, the novel cannot only be read as suc...more

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Aug 06, 2009

Kate rated it

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Gaskell's first novel shows all the promise of her later career, but is oddly less feminist (that being entirely the wrong word for it, but the only one I can think of.) The influence of Dickens and the social-change authors is apparent, and Gaskell's own interest in social change, accurate portrayal of lower-class life, and nascent gift for dialogue are all here.

Mary Barton and her father, John, live in 1840s Manchester. He works at a mill; after she is old enough, she is apprenti...moreGaskell's first novel shows all the promise of her later career, but is oddly less feminist (that being entirely the wrong word for it, but the only one I can think of.) The influence of Dickens and the social-change authors is apparent, and Gaskell's own interest in social change, accurate portrayal of lower-class life, and nascent gift for dialogue are all here.

Mary Barton and her father, John, live in 1840s Manchester. He works at a mill; after she is old enough, she is apprenticed to a dressmaker. Mary is lovely and perfect, sweet and beautiful, a bit one-dimensional. The story centers around tragedies that occur when the mills stop running because of a downturn in trade. Mary's friend Margaret begins losing her sight, Mary is having trouble with her son-of-a-mill-owner lover Harry, Jem is in love with Mary, and John is becoming more angry at the mill owners every day. The love story isn't as well developed as in North and South, but the portrayal of millworkers' lives is much deeper. The powerlessness of the workers to feed their families is on display here, as is a strong sympathetic portrayal of why the poor act the way they do, alongside a plea for understanding of the mill owners' actions as well. Gaskell seems to be recognizing that there's no good answer in the political movements of the day, but she believes a solution can be found if we're willing to know more about each other. Overall the story doesn't succeed as well as the social statement does.

The end of the book, which may seem a bit discombobulated in time, has the most preachy statements. I would say that these are less believable dialogue had I not recently read The Dumbest Generation's discussion of changes in political speech, or Gaskell's own statements earlier in the book about the thirst for knowledge among the mill-workers. This passage speaks to the point about workers' rights and capitalism that Gaskell seems to be making in the book:

[Millowner Mr. Carson speaks:]"I fear, Legh, neither you nor I have convinced each other, as to the power, or want of power in the masters, to remedy the evils the men complain of."

"I'm loth to vex you sir, just now; but it was not the want of power I was talking on; what we all feel sharpest is the want of inclination to try and help the evils which come like blights at times over the manufacturing places, while we see the masters can stop work, and not suffer. If we saw the masters try for our sakes to find a remedy, -- even if they were long about it, -- even if they could find no help, and at the end of all could only say, "Poor fellows, our hearts are sore for ye; we've done all we could and can't find a cure" -- we'd bear up like men through bad times."

My copy was published in the late 1960s, and the flap reads "Mary Barton is a glimpse into that other England we should never forget. In these days of living wages, protected trades, shorter working hours and a general levelling[sic:] of wealth it is difficult to visualize what conditions were like...an exact picture of the privations experienced by the operatives, bringing home to the reader the human stories behind the angry resolutions and political protests." It is impossible to compare the current economic depression to a time when workers could not feed their families, but reading this book right now certainly helps one understand the importance of labor unions in times of economic uncertainty, and makes one grieve that we seem to have returned to days with no "general levelling of wealth."

Now, as far as that "feminism" point: I continue to be interested in the early Victorian sense of rights for women versus our own. There is a discussion among the female characters in the book about how wrong it is for women to work in factories particularly, and how wrong for them to work after marriage, how women being tired and worn out and unable to maintain the home drives men to drink and worse. I grew up with a sense that women were fighting to work because they had not been allowed to - it had not occured to me working only at home was a situation that women had fought for as part of a solution to the social ills of the industrial revolution. No wonder it was so difficult (and I think still is for many) for women to be accepted in the work world when we spent 100 years arguing that the right and honorable thing was for women to not have to work in the factories. There's a phrase for this movement to limit women's place that I can't recall right now. Gaskell herself creates very powerful women (perhaps not in this book particularly) who do work, who are intellectually gifted, who are not as tractable and naive as Mary Barton, but she still seems to have believed that women are happiest and best working only to make a home, and that the power that comes with wages is not safe for women. It's an interesting sidenote about the plot in this book.(less)

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Dec 15, 2009

Ana T. rated it

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Shelves: read-in-2009, victorian

I had loved North & South, liked Cranford and I must confess that I was totally unprepared for my reaction to this Mary Barton. I loved it!!!

I am a bit undecided on what to mention first, Mary Barton focus on Mary who is apparently the main character but more than that is focusses on the industrial side of the city of Manchester in the 1840s, on the relationships between Masters and workers, but especially on the workers living conditions. The misery that forced them to d...more

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Jul 31, 2011

Emily rated it

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I have never understood why Elizabeth Gaskell is not better known. She was a contemporary of Dickens and a much better writer. Both HARD TIMES by Dickens and MARY BARTON by Gaskell deal with the terrible plight of the working poor during the 1840s and 1850s. Gaskell's characters are realistically drawn as opposed to Dicken's exaggerated comical characters. Mrs. Gaskell shows how factory workers lived in terribly squalid conditions and the affect this had on Mary Barton's father. There is a ...more

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Sep 20, 2011

Marialyce rated it

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Shelves: sept-2011, classics

Actually, I do so wish there were half star ratings as I feel this one is definitely a 3.5 novel. Being that this was Elizabeth Gaskell's first novel, and being that a few people told me they couldn't get through it, imagine my surprise when I found I truly liked this book? It was a fine example of the saga of the the Victorian world where feelings are so hidden, and cues so missed that oftentimes, feelings are overlooked and poor judgements are made.

Mary Barton, a young pretty woman, ...more

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Feb 09, 2012

Katri rated it

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I would've given this a 5 star rating if the first half of the book had been as good as the last half. A worthwhile read!

Gaskell has some very interesting insights into human nature. Here are some that I liked:

"People admire talent, and talk about their admiration. But they value common sense without talking about it, and often without knowing it."

"I do think that the necessity for exertion, for some kind of action (bodily or mentally) in time of...more

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Dec 08, 2008

Erin rated it

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Recommends it for: Anyone who likes a good classic book and who can endure 10 chapters of "set up"

Recommended to Erin by: Angie C.

I had never heard of this book, before going to my book club. I think I had heard the author's name, but this book was never on any of my classics lists. (I have many) It was very slow to begin with. 10 chapters of set up: describing characters, settings, a little history. I pushed through the first part. As, soon as I hit chapter 11, I was finally hooked. I was very interested and wanted to finish to find out what happens. I was interested in the poor vs. rich idea. The rich got richer, a...moreI had never heard of this book, before going to my book club. I think I had heard the author's name, but this book was never on any of my classics lists. (I have many) It was very slow to begin with. 10 chapters of set up: describing characters, settings, a little history. I pushed through the first part. As, soon as I hit chapter 11, I was finally hooked. I was very interested and wanted to finish to find out what happens. I was interested in the poor vs. rich idea. The rich got richer, as the poor got poorer. It was very dramatic in this book's setting. Although, I should not be surprised we see this idea all around us. Even today, but it was so prevalant in the book. Also, some of the characters attitude seemed to be based on thier circumstance. Yet others, were happy no matter what thier circumstance. John Barton was such a happy man, hard worker, seemed full of life, until his wife died. He then became so full of self-pity. I felt sorrow for him and his circumstance, but was mad at his change of character. Of all people I thought he could overcome despair. (boy, was I surprised) I liked the transformation of Mary. She started as a flirty, naive, unaware young woman. Then with one event, (read to find out) all of the sudden became completely aware of her actions, how they affected others, and her feelings, how they affected her. I was sad she did not act on instinct, and go to Jem right away instead of listening to Margaret and ignoring Jem.

There was so much to think about with this book. I kept asking myself, what would I have done. I wondered if I would be bitter like ... or would I have been as compassionate as....? Or what would I have done to make that situation better. I was interested that the author chose biblical names for some of the characters. Esther, for the "fallen" Aunt. Job for the wise, elderly friend. Even Mary for the sweet young woman who transforms into a wise young lady. I do not know what that all means, but it is interesting. (less)

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Sep 07, 2011

Nancy Dardarian rated it

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I loved this book, when I read it I was on a Victorian kick and had a lot of fun. It is sometimes a bit much but overall worth it.

I loved this bit:

Of all the trite, worn-out, hollow mockeries of comfort that were ever uttered by people who will not take the trouble of sympathizing with others, the one I dislike the most is the exhortation not to grieve over and event, "for it cannot be helped." Do you think if I could help it, I would sit still with folded hands...more

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Sep 15, 2011

Molly rated it

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Shelves: 19th-century

I forgot how much the Victorians make me want to roll my eyes. The charm of their sentimental hand wringing was so appealing in high school and college, when all was Oh- injustice! The obsession with reputation and virtue is irritating, and Mary Barton is a kind of goody goody Ms. Betsy Thoughtless... This is a worthwhile read for union history in England, and it presents a grim picture of the living standards of the lower class. It has historical merit, and the story is not so terrible, but if ...more

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Apr 02, 2011

Emily rated it

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This is probably my new favorite book. I had read North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and loved it, but this is better. In this book the heroine is a working class girl whose father is a factory worker. This book illustrates the struggle that the factory workers had to provide for their families, and the bitter attitudes many had towards the mill owners and how those feelings can destroy a person. I think that many people in our day have similar struggles, and the book teaches that it doesn...more

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Jan 19, 2011

Mary rated it

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Shelves: books-read-2011

So...Mary Barton. Tough to know what to say about this. It struck me as pretty much a dry run for North and South. Same area, same themes, just less well-developed. And I do love North and South, so this watered-down version could never really match it.

I liked the characters, but I felt that they were all under developed. I didn't feel half as much sympathy for Mary as I wanted to and should have. And Jem, Margaret, John Barton, Aunt Esther - all deserved more attention, really. And...more

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May 16, 2011

Jana rated it

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Great story. The poverty is hard to imagine and heartbreaking to read about. I thought there were some really great themes in this book. The author must have been a very insightful person when it comes to human nature. I must admit that it took me a good 3 chapters to get use to the old English style of dialog. They don't really get right to the point when speaking to each other. It is like they talk in poetry almost, and it takes them a while to say what they mean. But, that isn't a crit...more

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Feb 10, 2009

Emily rated it

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Shelves: books-for-school, anglophilia, classics, fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 10, 2009

Mindy Goorchenko rated it

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Shelves: fiction

I found little to enjoy about this book. The characters are vapid...the insight I gained into their lives and motivations was inadequate to capture my interest and concern. I would not recommend it. I left the book feeling unconvinced that Elizabeth Gaskell truly cared about the social issues she wrote about. On second thought, maybe she did care, but she had not really made a conclusion about it and thus didn't have a cohesive point to make. I wasn't sure what to conclude at the end of it all, ...more

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Nov 17, 2011

Tessa rated it

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Shelves: classic, makes-you-think

I really enjoy Gaskell's style of writing. I always get involved with her characters and the plot. I love that she does not shy away from hard topics like starvation and prostitution. It was pretty much taboo for a female writer in the 1800s to talk about fallen women but this is the second of Gaskell's books that has done so and she was far more direct about Esther than she did Ruth and this is her first book!

She dealt with many difficult topics but manage to describe the despera...more

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Aug 24, 2011

Susan rated it

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Amazing that I've never heard of this author, admired by Dickens and a friend of Charlotte Bronte, she sent me to the dictionary more than once---"the mighty diapason of whose roaring flames formed an awful accompaniment to the screams, and yells and imprecations of the struggling crowd"p92 She does Manchester dialogue just as well as she describes it.I have to say it is "a love story and a murder plot grippingly told "as editor Stephen Gill described plus she has a sure k...more

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Jan 06, 2012

Tigger rated it

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Shelves: read-in-2011

'Mary Barton' is a tale centred around the title character, a working glass girl living in Manchester in the UK in the early 1800s, several decades before author Elizabeth Gaskell eventually came to reside there. The tale weaves together Gaskell's ideas about poverty, cities and the relationship between "master and employee" at the factories which sustained Manchester.

This was Gaskell's first novel (the same themes are present in her later books, such as North and South an...more

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Feb 11, 2011

Jenn rated it

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Shelves: audio

This is my first experience reading Elizabeth Gaskell, and I am not disappointed. I am familiar with her works through PBS Masterpiece Theatre (I LOVE Wives and Daughters and North and South--Cranford is good too). After listening to an interview about Gaskell, I was persuaded to begin by reading Mary Barton first. I am glad that I did. It was excellent.

It begins on a moderately high note (in the context of a mostly depressing book) and goes downhill from there. It reminded me a bit ...more

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Jan 15, 2011

Alicia rated it

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I love Elizabeth Gaskell! This is the first novel she wrote (in 1848) and she masterfully shows the struggles of the working class poor contrasted to the ease of the wealthy factory owners. I loved watching the development of Jem's and Mary's relationship. This is the 3rd Elizabeth Gaskell book I have read, and after finishing each of her books I immediately wanted to turn back to the beginning and read the book again.

Quotes I liked:

“For we have every one of us felt ho...moreI love Elizabeth Gaskell! This is the first novel she wrote (in 1848) and she masterfully shows the struggles of the working class poor contrasted to the ease of the wealthy factory owners. I loved watching the development of Jem's and Mary's relationship. This is the 3rd Elizabeth Gaskell book I have read, and after finishing each of her books I immediately wanted to turn back to the beginning and read the book again.

Quotes I liked:

“For we have every one of us felt how a very few minutes of the months and years called life, will sometimes suffice to place all time past and future in an entirely new light; will make us see the vanity or the criminality of the bygone, and so change the aspect of the coming time that we look with loathing on the very thing we have most desired. A few moments may change our character for life, by giving a totally different direction to our aims and energies.” (p. 130)

Margaret: "‘Ay, dear; being patient is the hardest work we, any of us, have to do through life, I take it. Waiting is far more difficult than doing… it's one of God's lessons we all must learn, one way or another.’" (p. 143)

About Margaret: “It was calling out the feeling of hospitality, so strong and warm in most of those who have little to offer, but whose heart goes eagerly and kindly with that little.” ((p. 257)

“Job almost gave in to her belief, when he saw how steadfastly she was acting upon it. Oh! surest way of conversion to our faith, whatever it may be-- regarding either small things, or great--when it is beheld as the actuating principle, from which we never swerve! When it is seen that, instead of overmuch profession, it is worked into the life, and moves every action!” (p. 258)

"It is hard," said Jem to himself, with a bitter and indignant feeling rising in his throat, "that let a man's life be what it may, folk are so ready to credit the first word against him. …Well! God does not judge as hardly as man, that's one comfort for all of us!" (p. 372)

Job’s argument for capitalism: “’No need to tell him that were all men equal to-night, some would get the start by rising an hour earlier to-morrow.’” (p. 380)

Job’s wisdom: “’I have lived long enough, too, to see that it is a part of His plan to send suffering to bring out a higher good; but surely it's also a part of His plan that so much of the burden of the suffering as can be should be lightened by those whom it is His pleasure to make happy, and content in their own circumstances. Of course it would take a deal more thought and wisdom than me, or any other man has, to settle out of hand how this should be done. But I'm clear about this, when God gives a blessing to be enjoyed, He gives it with a duty to be done; and the duty of the happy is to help the suffering to bear their woe.’" (p. 382)
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Dec 06, 2010

Ryan rated it

The first one hundred pages of Mary Barton are concerned with two classes of people: the workers and the factory owners. There is a sort of understanding between these two groups that when times are tough, everyone suffers together. For the factory owners, this means that they can't buy as many flowers and concert tickets. For the workers, it means that illnesses remain uncured and stomachs slowly turn in on themselves. The 19th century was a time of prosperity and power for England, but it was ...more

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Nov 20, 2008

Megan rated it

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This book had a slow beginning but quickly picks up when one of the characters is put on trial for murder! I really enjoy Gaskell's works and once again she has proven her ability to create varied characters with compassion and insight. In this case bringing into focus the disparity between the wealthy factory owners and the starving workers who are desperate to feed their children; while highlighting the story of one girl as she tries to understand where her heart truly belongs (in canada app...more

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About Elizabeth Gaskell

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, née Stevenson (29 September 1810 – 12 November 1865), often referred to simply as Mrs. Gaskell, was an English novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era. She is perhaps best known for her biography of Charlotte Brontë. Her novels offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and as such are of interest to socia...more

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“Aye, aye! good-natured, jolly, full of fun; there are a number of other names for the good qualities the devil leaves his children, as bait to catch gudgeons with. D'ye think folk could be led astray by one who was every way bad?” — 2 people liked it

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