Questions About Mary Barton

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Answered Questions (4)

JellyInAJar Yes. Victorian novels were very reserved. The most explicit content is usually a vaguely erotic description of a wrist.

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How much is it like North and South?

Gail The themes are similar: of the plight of the working class, effects of the industrial revolution and the relationship between masters and workers. I e…moreThe themes are similar: of the plight of the working class, effects of the industrial revolution and the relationship between masters and workers. I enjoyed North and South much more because the characters were more devoped. Mary Barton is too melodramatic and preachy.(less)

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Does anyone know of a non fiction book that deals with the terrible poverty described in the book? Thanks.

G.J. Griffiths Perhaps The Real Oliver Twist by John Waller will give you an idea about how appallingly the poor juveniles from workhouses were treated by some of th…morePerhaps The Real Oliver Twist by John Waller will give you an idea about how appallingly the poor juveniles from workhouses were treated by some of the over-rich and privileged mill owners. Warning! Be prepared for tears.(less)

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What would This book. Be rated as a movie?

Candace PG-13 because of the social themes and the foreign aspects of Victorian courting in the novel. The younger would have trouble understanding why some p…morePG-13 because of the social themes and the foreign aspects of Victorian courting in the novel. The younger would have trouble understanding why some people are so hungry they are crying, dying, and/or doing drugs to escape the pain. Also the workmen in a Trade Union riot and develop a dangerous plan reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s lottery. Finally, Victorian girls act toward their young men in a way strange to the courting ways of today; while the romantic acts would not be inappropriate , they would be difficult if not completely foreign to someone under 13. The subtleties of the plot would be lost on the under 13 and other parts of the plot not appreciated fully. (less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

Can someone tell me what this means? "An old-fashioned saying about a pair of gloves came into Jem's mind, and stepping gently up he kissed Margaret with a friendly kiss. She awoke, and perfectly understanding the thing, she said, 'For shame of yourself, Jem! What would Mary say?'" What is the "pair of gloves" saying? If you have read it, is there more to this scene?

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