Mary Barton Gender Quotes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What did the character determined should make her a lady?

Her beauty (correct)

Her education

Her family name

Her wealth

What did Esther want to save her daughter from becoming?

A wretched, loathsome creature

Esther believed that promises of marriage were often genuine.

False

What was Mary Barton’s desire regarding social status?

To become a lady Signup and view all the answers

I even offer you marriage, to satisfy your little ______ heart.

ambitious Signup and view all the answers

What was the downside of factory work mentioned by John Barton?

Girls can earn a lot but may not manage their finances well. Signup and view all the answers

What did Esther spend her money on?

Dress Signup and view all the answers

How did Esther feel about her past spending habits?

She didn't know the value of money at the time. Signup and view all the answers

Mary enjoyed the idea of becoming a lady and doing elegant activities.

True Signup and view all the answers

What warning did Jem Wilson give regarding his intentions toward a woman?

To leave her alone if his intentions are not honorable. Signup and view all the answers

What issue did Jane Wilson highlight regarding men driven to the public-house?

Their wives working in factories Signup and view all the answers

John Barton warned Esther that if she kept doing what she was doing, she'd end up a ______.

streetwalker Signup and view all the answers

What was Harry Carson's view on marrying a lady?

He claimed he could marry any lady in Manchester but chose a poor dressmaker. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gender Themes in Mary Barton

The desire for elevate social status and beauty drives characters like the narrator and Mary Barton, indicating societal pressures related to femininity.
Esther's struggle with her self-worth reflects the internal conflict of women seeking escape from poverty through marriage and wealth, emphasizing the burden of gender roles.

Marriage and Expectations

The notion that marriage is an empty promise is articulated by Esther, showcasing women's vulnerability within the promises made by men.
Harry Carson's proposition to marry Esther reveals the transactionality of love, where ambitions and social climbing overshadow genuine connections.

Economic Independence

John Barton highlights the harsh realities of factory work for women, suggesting a fleeting sense of financial independence that ultimately could lead to further dependency.
The willingness of women like Esther to spend their earnings on superficial pursuits illustrates the lack of awareness regarding financial stability and empowerment.

Identity and Ambition

The aspiration to rise in social class is a recurrent theme, as seen through Mary's dreams of becoming a lady and enjoying the associated privileges.
Characters like Jem Wilson advocate for integrity and respect, contrasting sharply with societal views that objectify women.

Observations of families impacted by women's factory work reveal societal neglect and the moral implications entwined with economic hardship.
John Barton's warning to Esther about her lifestyle choices serves as a critique of the societal tendency to stigmatize women who seek independence outside traditional norms.

Relationship Dynamics

Harry Carson's implications of marrying a poor dressmaker reflect societal norms that allow men to choose partners based on social construct rather than love or compatibility.
The interplay of ambition and moral character is central to the decisions the characters face, raising questions about personal agency and societal expectations.

Description

Test your understanding of key gender-related quotes from Elizabeth Gaskell's 'Mary Barton'. This quiz focuses on significant passages that explore themes of beauty, class, and identity as articulated by the characters in the novel. Engage with the text to deepen your comprehension of gender dynamics in Victorian society.