Elizabeth Gaskell
Full Name and Common Aliases
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, often referred to simply as Elizabeth Gaskell, was a prominent English novelist and short story writer. She was also known by her married name, Mrs. Gaskell.
Birth and Death Dates
Elizabeth Gaskell was born on September 29, 1810, and she passed away on November 12, 1865.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Elizabeth Gaskell was British by nationality. She was a novelist, biographer, and short story writer. Her works are celebrated for their detailed portrayal of Victorian society and their insightful exploration of social issues.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Gaskell was born in Chelsea, London, into a family with a strong Unitarian background. Her father, William Stevenson, was a civil servant and writer, while her mother, Elizabeth Holland, came from a family known for their progressive views. Tragically, her mother died when Elizabeth was just a year old, leading to her being raised by an aunt in Knutsford, Cheshire. This small town would later serve as the inspiration for the fictional town of Cranford in one of her most beloved works.
Elizabeth's upbringing in a Unitarian household instilled in her a sense of social justice and a commitment to humanitarian causes. She received a good education for a woman of her time, attending a school in Stratford-upon-Avon, which further nurtured her love for literature and writing.
Major Accomplishments
Elizabeth Gaskell's literary career began in earnest with the publication of her first novel, "Mary Barton," in 1848. The novel was a critical success and brought her to the attention of Charles Dickens, who invited her to contribute to his magazine, "Household Words." This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful period in her writing career.
Gaskell's ability to weave social commentary into her narratives set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Her works often addressed issues such as class disparity, industrialization, and women's rights, making her a significant voice in the literary world of the 19th century.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Elizabeth Gaskell's most notable works are "Cranford," "North and South," and "Wives and Daughters." "Cranford" is a charming depiction of life in a small English town, while "North and South" explores the tensions between the industrial North and the agrarian South of England. "Wives and Daughters," her final novel, was left unfinished at her death but remains a testament to her skill in character development and storytelling.
In addition to her novels, Gaskell wrote a highly regarded biography of her friend and fellow author, Charlotte Brontë, titled "The Life of Charlotte Brontë." This biography is praised for its candid and compassionate portrayal of Brontë's life and has been instrumental in shaping the public's understanding of the Brontë family.
Impact and Legacy
Elizabeth Gaskell's impact on literature is profound. Her works provide a window into the social and economic issues of Victorian England, and her empathetic portrayal of her characters has earned her a lasting place in the literary canon. Gaskell's novels continue to be studied for their rich detail and social commentary, and they have been adapted into numerous films and television series, ensuring her stories reach new audiences.
Her legacy is also evident in the way she paved the way for future generations of writers, particularly women, to address social issues through fiction. Gaskell's ability to blend storytelling with social critique has influenced countless authors and remains relevant in discussions of literature and society today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Elizabeth Gaskell is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful observations on human nature and society. Her ability to capture the complexities of life in Victorian England with empathy and precision has made her works timeless. Quotes from her novels often reflect her deep understanding of social dynamics and personal relationships, resonating with readers across generations.
Gaskell's writing not only entertains but also challenges readers to consider the moral and ethical dimensions of the world around them. Her legacy as a writer who combined narrative artistry with social consciousness ensures that her words continue to inspire and provoke thought, making her a beloved and enduring figure in English literature.
Quotes by Elizabeth Gaskell
Elizabeth Gaskell's insights on:
He was lashing himself again into an impotent rage, painful to a son to witness.
I know we differ in our religious opinions; but don’t you give me credit for having some, though not the same as yours?
Her mouth was wide; no rosebud that could only open just enough to let out a ‘yes’ and ‘no’, and ‘an’t please you, sir’.
He almost said to himself that he did not like her, before their conversation ended; he tried so hard to compensate himself for the mortified feeling, that while he looked upon her with an admiration he could not repress, she looked at him with proud indifference, taking him, he thought, for what, in his irritation, he told himself – was a great fellow, with not a grace or a refinement about him.
Only half of Roger’s success was owing to his mental powers; the other half was owing to his perfect health, which enabled him to work harder and more continuously than most men without suffering. He said that in all his experience he had never known any one with an equal capacity for mental labour; and that he could come again with a fresh appetite to his studies after shorter intervals of rest than most.
But suppose it was truth double strong, it were no truth to me if I couldna take it in. I daresay there’s truth in yon Latin book on your shelves; but it’s gibberish and no truth to me, unless I know the meaning o’ the words.
For months past, all her own personal cares and troubles had had to be stuffed away into a dark cupboard; but now she had leisure to take them out, and mourn over them, and study their nature, and seek the true method of subduing them into the elements of peace. All these weeks she had been conscious of their existence in a dull kind of way, though they were hidden out of sight. Now, once for all she would consider them, and appoint to each of them its right work in her life.