Nothing felt more fitting than rereading this while I was on strike. This book is a perfect representation of victorian literature: industrialization, illness/death, the growing unrest of the working class, the rise of unions, and the shift of religious values from the georgian/regency period.

This novel does an excellent job in depicting the transition england went through from the georgian/regency period to the victorian age. Margaret represents the conservative south and the georgian ideals that have not yet transitioned with the times. We see that through the customs at Helstone and how they treat the poor through charity. There is a larger wealth disparity between the wealthy and the poor. John represents the "progressive" north and the industrialization England has gone through. The customs are much different. Men and women shake hands, the workers rights movement starts to happen, and although we get a much closer picture of the reality of the poor, we start to see a labour movement shift.

Mr. Hale represents this 'radicalization' catalyst from regency to victorian through his religious shifts -- Something that actually happened to Gaskells father as well.

Margaret is the perfect heroine for what this novel is trying to do. Like most people raised in a conservative society, she finds any advancements horrifying and undignified, making her a little annoying at times, HOWEVER she is open to discussion which ends up being most of this book. We see her start to change opinions as she collects more information and comes to terms with this shift in society. I loved her discussions with Higgins and Thorton. It feels like Margaret is the mediator between two parties going through collective bargaining.

What I find also incredibly Victorian about this novel is Margaret's push to include religious morality and duty into these conversations about the labour disputes. She wants John and Higgins to see each other as a neighbour where you have the Christian duty to care for the other, despite personal interest.

Is this a realistic take? No, but it furthers the push to insert Georgian takes into a modern society.

We see this feminine Christianity in so many victorian novels; The mill on the floss, the tenant of wildfell hall, etc. Something about a women reckoning with a changing society and Christian duty is extremely fascinating!

But as it has to be said, there is also an incredible love story hidden between the societal commentary. "My Margaret" -- need I say more.