Wives and Daughters
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell, published by Penguin Classics on December 30, 1969, is a significant work in British literature, comprising 720 pages in English. This novel explores the dynamics between two families in nineteenth-century rural England, focusing on intricate family relationships that are tested by romantic entanglements. Gaskell’s narrative combines serious themes with a prevailing tone of comedy, offering a vivid portrayal of societal changes during the late 1820s.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of character studies and acute observations throughout the story. Gaskell presents a diverse cast, including a feudal squire, his naturalist son, a local doctor, and two girls brought together by their parents’ marriage. The novel delves into the complexities of family life, highlighting the tensions between old values and the emerging world of science. With its humane and progressive vision, Wives and Daughters invites readers to reflect on the evolving social landscape of the time.
Official synopsis Publisher
Gaskell s last novel, widely considered her masterpiece, follows the fortunes of two families in nineteenth century rural England. At its core are family relationships father, daughter and step-mother, father and sons, father and step-daughter all tested and strained by the romantic entanglements that ensue. Despite its underlying seriousness, the prevailing tone is one of comedy. Gaskell vividly portrays the world of the late 1820 s and the forces of change within it, and her vision is always humane and progressive. The story is full of acute observation and sympathetic character-study: the feudal squire clinging to old values, his naturalist son welcoming the new world of science, the local doctor and his scheming second wife, the two girls brought together by their parents marriage…
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