The Complete Novels of Elizabeth Gaskell
Nov 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
3260
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About this ebook
The Complete Novels of Elizabeth Gaskell presents a comprehensive compilation of the esteemed author's remarkable works, illustrating her profound exploration of social issues, gender dynamics, and the human condition in 19th-century England. Gaskell's literary style is characterized by its intricate character development and vivid portrayals of the societal backdrop, seamlessly blending realism with elements of gothic and romantic fiction. Through novels like "Mary Barton" and "North and South," she adeptly captures the struggles of the working class while interrogating themes of class disparity and industrialization, situating her work within the context of Victorian social reform literature. Elizabeth Gaskell was not only a prolific novelist but also a keen social observer, influenced by her own experiences of life in Manchester and her connections to prominent literary figures such as Charlotte Brontë. Her background as a minister's daughter and her immersion in both middle-class and working-class circles deeply informed her narrative voice, allowing her to present a nuanced perspective on societal issues of her time. Gaskell's dedication to portraying the realities of her characters' lives not only highlights her compassion but also her commitment to advocating for change through literature. This anthology is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike, as it showcases Gaskell's contribution to Victorian literature and the ongoing relevance of her themes today. By engaging with her complete works, readers will gain insight into the complexities of human relationships and the societal challenges that persist, making it an essential collection for those exploring the intersections of history, literature, and social justice.
About the author
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, née Stevenson (1810–1865), was a prominent English novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era. Her literary oeuvre offers a detailed portrayal of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and is noted for its thoughtful, sympathetic use of both humor and pathos. Gaskell was born on September 29, 1810, in London, and grew up in Knutsford, Cheshire, which later became the basis for her fictional town of Cranford. Her first novel, 'Mary Barton' (1848), garnered immediate acclaim for its poignant examination of the divide between rich and poor in industrial Manchester. Gaskell's perhaps most famous work, 'North and South' (1855), contrasts the rural south with the industrial north of England and addresses themes of class conflict and gender roles with nuance and insight. Another notable work, 'Wives and Daughters' (1865), was left unfinished at her death but stands as a finely tuned study of mid-Victorian provincial life. Gaskell's 'Cranford' (1853), a masterfully crafted series of interlinked stories, has gained a place in the canon as a charming and comedic study of the lives and social dynamics of single and widowed women. Her biography 'The Life of Charlotte Brontë' (1857) remains a seminal resource and was groundbreaking in its candid portrayal of the personal life of a fellow female author. Gaskell's work is marked by her keen observation, her use of regional dialect, her interest in social reform, and her commitment to realism, rendering her an important voice in English literature and a bridge between the Romantic and Victorian literary traditions.
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