North and South Flashcards Chapter 4

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Questions and Answers

What does Margaret feel when denying Mr. Lennox despite the comforts of wealth?

She consciously knew it was right.

What does Margaret remind Mr. Thornton about the workers?

They are equal to him.

What does Margaret risk for Mr. Thornton during the workers' approach?

Her own life.

What does Margaret symbolize when confronting Mr. Higgins?

Her strength and high moral code. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Margaret stating she must answer for her own life?

It shows her emotional awareness and responsibility for her fate. Signup and view all the answers

What is Margaret's use of intelligence in Gaskell's view?

It gives her the right to determine her own mode of life. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Women Property Act of 1870 signify in Margaret's context?

She was unable to own property. Signup and view all the answers

How is Margaret's appearance described in Chapter 7?

Full of soft feminine defiance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the proposal represent according to Margaret?

A sexual affront and a threat to her self-sufficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Thornton's feelings towards Margaret based on his observations?

He sees her movements as sexually charged. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction does Thornton have to the idea of a challenge?

He accepts it with enthusiasm. Signup and view all the answers

How does Margaret feel about being proposed to?

She feels guilty and ashamed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Margaret think of the women in Milton?

She dislikes their loudness and roughness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Thornton assume about Margaret's intentions?

She fears Margaret will use tricks to land a rich husband. Signup and view all the answers

What does Margaret prefer in discussions when around men?

Politics and philosophy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Margaret react to men in Milton?

She dreads the sexual attention they give her. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the Thornton family's view on their son?

He can do no wrong in his mother's eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Margaret's reaction to her father's illness suggest about her role in the family?

She is burdened with anxiety and is expected to restore peace. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Thornton's attitude towards her son reveal?

She sees him as her most prized possession. Signup and view all the answers

What does Margaret think of the working class in Milton?

She finds them overly money-obsessed. Signup and view all the answers

How does the industrial system affect the imagery of nature in Milton?

It replaces nature with smoke and industrial dominance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'soft violence of the west wind' suggest about Margaret's relationship with nature?

She is in harmony with nature yet feels a lack of power. Signup and view all the answers

What was Margaret's opinion on the necessity of the classics for manufacturers?

She deemed them irrelevant. Signup and view all the answers

What symbolizes the difficulty of adaptation to industrial life for Margaret?

Her embodied connection to nature. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrative depict class dynamics through Margaret's interactions?

It shows her occasional superiority over her servants. Signup and view all the answers

What is Margaret's view on money and good breeding?

Money can never make up for lack of good breeding. Signup and view all the answers

What does Margaret find different about the clothing of the people from the south compared to London?

Cheaper, but more stylish clothing. Signup and view all the answers

Margaret had a positive reaction to the idea of a manufacturing town.

False Signup and view all the answers

What frightened Margaret about the streets of Milton?

The unrestrained voices and carelessness of common rules of street politeness. Signup and view all the answers

When did Margaret first feel a sense of homeliness within Milton?

When she found a human interest. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Mrs. Thornton give to her son John about Margaret?

To stay away from her because she's poor. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Thornton think about workers who demand higher wages?

She thinks they are a pack of ungrateful hounds. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Hale treat people regardless of their social status?

He treats all his fellow-creatures alike. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gaskell symbolize through the marriage of Nancy D. Mann?

The reconciliation of opposing parties. Signup and view all the answers

According to Gaskell, what does a healthy conscience depend on?

The free play of the mind and genuine, objective thought. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bessy Higgins use to cope with her condition?

The Apocalypse. Signup and view all the answers

What does Margaret think is essential for judgment after death?

Our faithful following of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Bessy use for falling asleep to death?

Like a baby being hushed to sleep by its mother's lullaby. Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of Mrs. Hale in her final days?

There was no sign of hope that she might ever rise again. Signup and view all the answers

How does Margaret relate to the figure of the 'Roman daughter'?

She must give strength to her father. Signup and view all the answers

What relief does Margaret feel after her father's death?

She feels at liberty with no one depending on her. Signup and view all the answers

What comfort does Margaret receive from Mr. Bell?

He has been like a father to her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the accumulation of deaths on Margaret?

She could cry at leisure and think of all the woes it had brought her. Signup and view all the answers

How does Margaret feel about her appearance after Mr. Bell's death?

She looks very white and pale. Signup and view all the answers

What does acting according to the spirit of Christ signify in the context of middle and working classes?

It serves as a regulating law between the two classes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Female Autonomy

Margaret consciously rejects the comforts of marrying Mr. Lennox, indicating her refusal to accept an unequal relationship based on wealth.
In her confrontation with Mr. Thornton, Margaret asserts that workers are his equals, showcasing her strength and challenging gender norms of the time.
Margaret risks her safety to protect Thornton, symbolizing her agency as she disregards societal expectations.
Demonstrating moral strength, Margaret remains composed while confronting Mr. Higgins' grief over his daughter, embodying resilience.
By acknowledging her responsibility for her own life choices, Margaret signifies her emotional growth and independence.
Gaskell portrays Margaret as intelligent, granting her the right to choose her unconventional path in life.
The narrative underlines the tension between Margaret's intelligence and societal norms, suggesting conflicts between personal desires and expectations.
The 1870 Women Property Act is mentioned, highlighting Margaret's inability to own property despite her financial capabilities.
Margaret's appearance exudes a "feminine defiance," challenging conventional expectations regarding female demeanor.
Margaret perceives marriage proposals as threats to her self-sufficiency, suggesting a struggle for power within gender dynamics.
Subtle imagery conveys Thornton's attraction to Margaret, suggesting a complex intertwining of desire and societal constraints.
Thornton's perception of life as battles reflects his aggressive nature, interpreting challenges as opportunities.
Margaret's rejection of Lennox indicates a strong aversion to marriage, highlighting her autonomy.
Mrs. Thornton's conservatism contrasts with Margaret's progressive character development, revealing generational differences in gender roles.
Despite not being overtly sexual, Margaret defies social conventions regarding women's behavior.

Gender

Margaret's expressive nature is visually contrasted with the stereotype of Victorian femininity, as shown by her wide mouth and argumentative nature.
The difference in communication styles between men and women is highlighted in conversations following marriage proposals.
Margaret struggles with the societal expectations of womanhood, feeling discomforted by the attention from men while cherishing moral values.
As a city dweller, she navigates mixed feelings toward the working-class men who comment on her appearance.
Mrs. Thornton doubts Margaret's motives and ability to marry her son, reflecting societal views on ambition and class.
Margaret enjoys the company of men at social gatherings, distracting herself from more superficial conversations with women.
A violent encounter at a protest questions male masculinity, revealing deeper societal tensions regarding gender roles.

Nature vs Industry

Margaret embodies nature, struggling to adapt to the industrial environment, revealing a theme of disconnection from her surroundings.
The harsh imagery of industrial smoke dominates Milton, contrasting the former beauty of nature and life.
A metaphor depicting the migration to the North symbolizes a profound shift in cultural and societal landscapes.
Margaret experiences a painful reminder of unchanged nature amid life's tragic realities, contrasting with the rapid industrialization of Milton.
Gaskell articulately juxtaposes the beauty of the countryside against the harshness of new industrial towns.
Economic instability during the 1830s and 1840s exacerbated class disparities, inciting social unrest among workers.

Family Loyalty

Margaret's upbringing fosters a sense of calm, making her unprepared for the chaos that enters her home life due to external hardships.
The immaculately maintained bedroom of Frederick reflects the family's hope and denial regarding his absence, emphasizing familial bonds.
Mrs. Thornton idolizes her son, revealing protective tendencies and the theme of maternal love dictating familial dynamics.
Thornton longs for Margaret’s affectionate gaze, contrasting with her natural and unreserved love for her father, underscoring emotional connections.
Honest communication between Mrs. Thornton and John illustrates their close relationship, which is starkly different from Margaret's with her parents.
Mr. Hale's frailty in times of crisis showcases familial expectations and the burden placed on Margaret to restore balance.
Mrs. Thornton's intense love for her son underscores her dependence on him while casting doubts on connections outside the family.

Class

Margaret's passive observation in her sister's household underscores class distinctions and societal expectations.
Social status dynamics affect Mrs. Hale’s participation in family events due to financial constraints reflecting class consciousness.
Margaret’s disdain for those driven by profit exemplifies class prejudices against newly wealthy individuals.
Lennox recognizes the disparity of his social standing compared to Margaret upon proposing, hinting at class tensions.
Margaret's skepticism towards educational investments for manufacturers highlights her misconceptions about social progress.
Her interactions reveal her struggles with class equality and management of power dynamics within her household.
Margaret’s reflections on clothing and appearance link socioeconomic status to cultural identity in Milton.
Perceptions between social classes manifest in contrasting attitudes towards marriage and socioeconomic mobility.### Character Traits and Themes
Hale treats all individuals equally, disregarding their social rank, exemplifying his moral philosophy.
The marriage symbolizes the reconciliation of opposing parties, emphasizing unity amidst conflict.

Conscience and Thought

A healthy conscience relies on free thought; objective reasoning is essential for transcending personal limitations.

Death and Religious Perspectives

Bessy Higgins, facing death, misuses religion as a coping mechanism, interpreting scriptural stories simplistically.
Gaskell portrays the idea of not being judged solely on external circumstances but on one's faithfulness to Christ.

Symbolism of Sleep and Death

Bessy envisions death as peaceful rest, akin to a child lulled to sleep by a mother’s lullaby, indicating a soothing acceptance of mortality.

Maternal Connections and Expectations

Mrs. Hale's terminal condition evokes despair in Margaret, highlighting the absence of hope for recovery and intensifying her emotional burden.
Margaret assumes the role akin to the "Roman daughter," supporting her father in weakness and drawing from her limited strength.

Freedom and Isolation After Loss

Following her father's death, Margaret experiences a profound sense of liberation, contrasting with her previous caregiving responsibilities.
Despite this newfound freedom, she grapples with feelings of loneliness and fear about her solitary future.

Relationships and Support

Margaret feels a strong bond with Mr. Bell, who has provided paternal support, accentuating emotional ties during times of loss.
The weight of cumulative grief from multiple deaths compels Margaret to reflect on a year filled with personal tragedies.

Financial Implications and Emotional Responses

Mr. Bell's financial bequest contributes to Margaret’s stability, but it simultaneously induces anxiety about her changed circumstances.

Adopting the spirit of Christ signifies acting based on compassion rather than adhering strictly to societal laws, particularly in the context of class dynamics.

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