Margaret's View Towards Stereotypes of Women in The Industrial Society in North and South A Novel by Elizabeth Gaskell

ABSTRACT

When the Britain turned to industrialization, the society was marked by many changes which encompassed the movement of people to cities that caused the growth of cities. This industrialization, then, makes a great shift for women. In the beginning, they have worked as governesses for rich children; they also often worked in the mills or mines. After all, since this rule was made in 1842 by Queen Victoria, the stereotypes of women as the “weaker sex” and to be protected by men were developed, particularly in the late of the ninetieth century. The nonworking wife was the symbol of economic success and prestige. One of literary works which depicts this situation is Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South.

The story of this novel is about a young woman, Margaret Hale, who moves from a rural Southern home to the industrial North of Milton. In this society, she recognizes that women are quite inferior. Their roles are limited for women have their stereotypes like fragile, frail, and defenseless. Regarding with the women’s condition, Margaret’s view is increasingly developed. She reckons that women are to be independent and strong-minded, specifically, to decide their own future; they should also observe the circumstance in which they live.

In order to specify this study about this novel, the writer uses feminist perspective. This study is basically called as literary criticism because it includes some main aspects; analysis, interpretation and evaluation. The source of data which are taken is from Gaskell’s North and South.

The analysis of this novel shows that in Milton, fragile or weakness and home-centeredness are not strange for women. At the same time they are considered morally less valuable. Consequently, they are creatures whose heart and body need to be protected simultaneously. Apart from those depictions above, it is common for women to manage the household. Besides, it is quite significant to come to an invitation of party. For women are less curious, social sensitive; Margaret finds that there is inferiority holding their existence. And by considering this view, she then wrestles with her conscience that women can perform themselves in order to strengthen their role and not to be confine to their home entirely. They are people who can take their life or fate into their own hands. Finally, the writer can conclude that Gaskell's incredible idea which is emerged in Margaret highlights women in improving their role in order to decide their own future.