North and South

That this a novel about contrasts is suggested by the title. There is the contrast between the rural South of England and the North. The contrast in life experiences between the mill owners and their employees. A contrast in world views of an established educated middle class and the 'self made' industrial capitalists. These contrasts,how these contrasts result in conflicts and how these conflicts are resolved form the plot of this novel. Whilst the resolution of conflict is not wholly convincing,Gaskell's portrayal of life in a northern city is. Her experience of living in Manchester is put to good use,her characters being well drawn and believable. A recommended read.