Summary:
The
three reviews I chose to look at were Henry Fothergill Chorley’s Athenaeum (1848), John Forster’s Examiner (1848), and a short piece from Christian Teacher by an anonymous
author, titled The Mutual Dependence of
Men in a Social State (1844).
Chorley believes that the story is written in a very simply and that “the
events of the tale are of the commonest quality”(365) In Forster’s Examiner, he appears to think highly of
the novel and says that it is “a story of unusual beauty and merit. It has a plan and powerful interest, a
good and kind purpose, and a style which derives its charm from the writer’s
evident sincerity.”(367) Although the excerpt from Christian Teacher was not written exclusively in review of Mary Barton, it provides useful insight
into a major theme in Mary Barton—that
someone will always gain from the work done by another, and it most often
happens that those doing the work gain much less than those who don’t. The excerpt opens with: “The saying,
‘one man soweth and another reapeth,’ has been applicable to the condition of
mankind in all ages, and will doubtless continue to be so to the end of
time.”(419)
Analysis:
The
focus of my analysis will be on the simplicity of the novel, in all
aspects. Although the characters
in this novel are far from underdeveloped, they lead simple lives, which is
ultimately the cause of Mary’s unhappiness. The millworkers don’t lead exceptionally thrilling lives,
and despite the luxuries they enjoy, neither do the mill owners and their
families. The millworkers work to
provide for the families and the mill owners reap the benefits. This ties into the excerpt by the
anonymous author, regarding the idea that “it is scarcely possible for any man
to live altogether to himself—to labour for his own benefit alone—to sow in
such a manner that no other human being shall reap the harvest.”(420) This is a
major theme in the novel, and it is so uncomplicated, but in the end, the
simplicity is what causes all of the chaos and conflict. I don’t think that the plainness of the
novel and the lives of its characters is necessarily a bad thing, as some of
the most beautiful creations are the most simple, and in the end, the simple
lives and the desire to have more than the ordinary is what builds the novel’s
conflicts in the end.
I like the idea in your analysis that the simple pleasures of life like rest, food, and love become incredible complicated by the pressures of poverty. Gaskell speaks plainly though lyrical style but also calls into focus how difficult providing for everyday needs are. I think she also chose to write about a striking topic that does not need much complication in order to impact the reader and make a difference. In my analysis I remark on the novels success based off of its ability to stir change and discussion about the issues surrounding people like Mary Barton and her family. The simple message I believe is a re-examination of what is.
ReplyDeleteI like that you focused on the simpleness of the text in terms of focusing in on the everyday lives of the characters. I do think however, that Gaskell is not necessarily focusing on the plainness of the people but is intending to capture the unmasked truth of their situations. She does not flower up poverty or death but instead gives us a very gritty and detailed picture of everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you discuss the simplicity of the novel, and the way that it's part of Mary's unhappiness. The factory workers are so focused on just providing the basics that they have little time for play, fun, or leisure. You realize this when you see how much eating a meal together means in the first chapter or how much Mary appreciates a couple of hours in the evening with her friends. I find Mary's desire to escape to be both believable and understandable. The lives of the upper classes seem to be filled with leisure and joy; it makes sense that Mary would yearn for the same thing, even if she knows on some level that she's better off with the family and friends who love and value her.
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