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Excerpt
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Cranford, a classic written by Elizabeth Gaskell, was first published in 1851 as a serialized work. Set in the fictional town of Cranford, the novel enigmatically sets out to bring out the details of the lives of the inhabitants, particularly the female residents, and the quaint, provincial charm of a small English town during the mid-nineteenth century.
The narrative revolves around the experiences and observations of Mary Smith, a kind and observant woman who frequently visits Cranford to stay with her older friends, Miss Matilda Jenkyns and Miss Deborah Jenkyns. Through her eyes, readers are introduced to the tight-knit and unique community of Cranford, where customs, manners and traditions are given a lot of importance.
At the heart of the story is the friendly relationship between the women of Cranford. They form a supportive sisterhood that remains unbreakable despite the ups and downs they face in their lives. Gaskell portrays these women with great affection, highlighting their individual quirks and strengths, such as Miss Matty’s tender heart, Miss Deborah’s strong-willed nature, and Miss Pole’s gossip-loving tendencies. The book serves as an exploration of the resilience of female friendship and the strength derived from shared experiences.
While Cranford is predominantly a tale of community life, it also addresses the changing times and societal shifts during the Victorian era. It touches upon issues like the encroachment of modernity, industrialization and the challenges faced by the genteel poor. Gaskell intriguingly creates a blend of customs of the past with the inevitability of change, revealing the struggle the characters face in adapting to a rapidly transforming world.
The novel also has plenty of humour and wit, in the amusing anecdotes and personal interactions between the characters. The soft banters add to the charm of the story and also shed light on some of the absurdities of societal conventions.
Gaskell was gifted with a keen sense of observation and for her captivating prose churns. She successfully transports readers to the serene world of Cranford, allowing them to experience the joys, sorrows and ordinary and extraordinary moments of the townspeople. The book showcases Gaskell’s remarkable ability to create vivid and real-life characters and a vibrant sense of place.
Cranford remains a timeless and beloved classic that continues to thrill readers with its portrayal of human connections, resilience and the cheerful vibes of a close-knit community. It stands as a testament to the strength of women and the enduring power of friendship, making it a treasured piece of prose for generations to come.
Cranford, a classic written by Elizabeth Gaskell, was first published in 1851 as a serialized work. Set in the fictional town of Cranford, the novel enigmatically sets out to bring out the details of the lives of the inhabitants, particularly the female residents, and the quaint, provincial charm of a small English town during the mid-nineteenth century.
The narrative revolves around the experiences and observations of Mary Smith, a kind and observant woman who frequently visits Cranford to stay with her older friends, Miss Matilda Jenkyns and Miss Deborah Jenkyns. Through her eyes, readers are introduced to the tight-knit and unique community of Cranford, where customs, manners and traditions are given a lot of importance.
At the heart of the story is the friendly relationship between the women of Cranford. They form a supportive sisterhood that remains unbreakable despite the ups and downs they face in their lives. Gaskell portrays these women with great affection, highlighting their individual quirks and strengths, such as Miss Matty’s tender heart, Miss Deborah’s strong-willed nature, and Miss Pole’s gossip-loving tendencies. The book serves as an exploration of the resilience of female friendship and the strength derived from shared experiences.
While Cranford is predominantly a tale of community life, it also addresses the changing times and societal shifts during the Victorian era. It touches upon issues like the encroachment of modernity, industrialization and the challenges faced by the genteel poor. Gaskell intriguingly creates a blend of customs of the past with the inevitability of change, revealing the struggle the characters face in adapting to a rapidly transforming world.
The novel also has plenty of humour and wit, in the amusing anecdotes and personal interactions between the characters. The soft banters add to the charm of the story and also shed light on some of the absurdities of societal conventions.
Gaskell was gifted with a keen sense of observation and for her captivating prose churns. She successfully transports readers to the serene world of Cranford, allowing them to experience the joys, sorrows and ordinary and extraordinary moments of the townspeople. The book showcases Gaskell’s remarkable ability to create vivid and real-life characters and a vibrant sense of place.
Cranford remains a timeless and beloved classic that continues to thrill readers with its portrayal of human connections, resilience and the cheerful vibes of a close-knit community. It stands as a testament to the strength of women and the enduring power of friendship, making it a treasured piece of prose for generations to come.
Elizabeth Gaskell was an English novelist and short story writer who was born on September 29, 1810, and passed away on November 12, 1865. She is known for her insightful and empathetic portrayal of Victorian society and her ability to address social issues through her writings.
Gaskell was born Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson in Chelsea, London. She later married William Gaskell, a Unitarian minister, and the couple settled in Manchester, a city that would greatly influence her writing. Gaskell’s upbringing and her experiences in the industrial city served as a backdrop for her novels, allowing her to depict the social realities and challenges faced by individuals of different classes.
Her first novel, Mary Barton, published in 1848, tackled the working-class experience and shed light on the harsh conditions faced by factory workers. The novel drew attention to the plight of the poor and called for social reform. Gaskell’s subsequent works, including Cranford, Ruth and North and South, continued to explore social issues and the lives of women in Victorian society.
Gaskell’s writing style is characterized by its realism and attention to detail. She had a keen observation of human nature and an ability to create nuanced characters who grappled with their social and personal circumstances. Her works often focused on the moral dilemmas faced by her protagonists and the conflicts between tradition and progress.
In addition to her novels, Gaskell wrote numerous short stories, contributing to publications like Charles Dickens’s Household Words and All the Year Round. Her short stories provided glimpses into various aspects of Victorian life, from the struggles of the working class to the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society.
Gaskell’s literary contributions extended beyond her fiction. She wrote a biography of her close friend, the writer Charlotte Brontë, which shed light on Brontë’s life and literary genius. Gaskell’s biography played a significant role in shaping Brontë’s posthumous reputation.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s works had a profound impact on Victorian literature and the portrayal of social issues. Her emphasis on compassion, realism and social awareness set her apart as a writer who engaged with the realities of her time. Her novels and stories continue to be celebrated for their timeless themes, rich characterizations and insightful commentary on the complexities of human experience.
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Cranford
by
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Newgen Knowledge Works Offices
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First published in 1853 by Chapman & Hall
This book has been inspired from the original version of Cranford first published in --- 1853, available in the public domain. Due care and diligence have been taken while bringing out this edition; neither the author nor the publishers of the book hold any responsibility for any mistake that may have inadvertently crept in. The publishers shall not be liable for any direct, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of the book.
© Trove Books Edition, 2023
Paperback ISBN: 978-93-5878-220-2
eBook ISBN: 978-93-5878-221-9
WebPDF: 978-93-5878-222-6
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About the Author
Elizabeth Gaskell was an English novelist and short story writer who was born on September 29, 1810, and passed away on November 12, 1865. She is known for her insightful and empathetic portrayal of Victorian society and her ability to address social issues through her writings.
Gaskell was born Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson in Chelsea, London. She later married William Gaskell, a Unitarian minister, and the couple settled in Manchester, a city that would greatly influence her writing. Gaskell’s upbringing and her experiences in the industrial city served as a backdrop for her novels, allowing her to depict the social realities and challenges faced by individuals of different classes.
Her first novel, Mary Barton, published in 1848, tackled the working-class experience and shed light on the harsh conditions faced by factory workers. The novel drew attention to the plight of the poor and called for social reform. Gaskell’s subsequent works, including Cranford, Ruth and North and South, continued to explore social issues and the lives of women in Victorian society.
Gaskell’s writing style is characterized by its realism and attention to detail. She had a keen observation of human nature and an ability to create nuanced characters who grappled with their social and personal circumstances. Her works often focused on the moral dilemmas faced by her protagonists and the conflicts between tradition and progress.
In addition to her novels, Gaskell wrote numerous short stories, contributing to publications like Charles Dickens’s Household Words and All the Year Round. Her short stories provided glimpses into various aspects of Victorian life, from the struggles of the working class to the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society.
Gaskell’s literary contributions extended beyond her fiction. She wrote a biography of her close friend, the writer Charlotte Brontë, which shed light on Brontë’s life and literary genius. Gaskell’s biography played a significant role in shaping Brontë’s posthumous reputation.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s works had a profound impact on Victorian literature and the portrayal of social issues. Her emphasis on compassion, realism and social awareness set her apart as a writer who engaged with the realities of her time. Her novels and stories continue to be celebrated for their timeless themes, rich characterizations and insightful commentary on the complexities of human experience.