Elizabeth Gaskell's "Mary Barton" Quiz

Answer: "John Barton"

This information comes from a letter Gaskell wrote to a friend, Mrs Greg. She claimed that her publisher, Edward Chapman, had suggested the revision. One of the false answers - "A Tale of Manchester Life" - is the novel's subtitle.

Answer: 1837 - 42

Although "Mary Barton" was published in 1848, the political events in the novel suggest it is set in a slightly earlier period. John Barton is heavily involved with several influential reformist movements that grew in the nineteenth century, including the Chartists.

In essence, this was a campaign to gain more equality for working class men, such as universal male suffrage. At one point in the novel, he travels to London, with a group of delegates from other parts of the country, in order to take 'a petition' to parliament. Gaskell dates this event as taking place in 1839 - interestingly, such a convention for the Chartists did happen in that year.

The movement saw a huge surge in popularity as workers grappled with the horrors of the 'hungry forties'(1837 - 42), which led to serious economic decline.

However, by the time "Mary Barton" was published, the depression was drawing to a close. A third petition by the Chartists (1848) saw a fall in support, which suggests the novel was set in earlier years.

Answer: Charles Dickens

Dickens became a great admirer of Gaskell after he read her first novel. This is perhaps not entirely surprising, given the fact that their work discusses similar themes and expresses sympathy for the most marginalised members of Victorian society. Gaskell is sometimes described as the 'female Dickens', but rather predictably, he's never called the 'male Gaskell'!

As for the other writers, Hardy was only eight years old in 1848 and Wilde was not born until the 1850s. Gaskell became good friends with Bronte and went on to write a remarkable account of Bronte's life, now widely regarded as one of the finest examples of biographical work in English literature.

Answer: Grandfather and granddaughter

One of the most moving relationships in the novel.

Answer: A young woman who acts as a messenger for Henry Carson during his romance with Mary.

Sally is one of the few comic characters in the book. Gaskell describes her as being "... vulgar-minded to the last degree; never easy unless her talk was of love and lovers."

Answer: She is so flattered by the wealthy Henry Carson's attentions, that she fails to understand her own feelings for Jem.

Even before Mary realises she is in love with Jem, her dreams about life with Carson consists of dances and luxury and pretty clothes - Carson himself isn't that important! Mary doesn't recognise that particular fact, convinced that their romance is genuine, and looks forward to the day when she can show Jane Wilson - Jem's mother - how a gentleman thought she was good enough for him (she believes Jane dislikes her).

Unfortunately, Mary fails to admit a deep attachment to Jem, until he has already proposed - and been turned down.

Answer: Esther fears that Mary may end up in prostitution, after seeing her with Henry Carson. She begs Jem to protect her niece.

Esther ran away with a soldier, who promised marriage, but ended up abandoning her instead. Like many women at that time, Esther has little choice but to become a prostitute. She did have one baby, a little girl, but we quickly learn that the child has long since died. Realising that John Barton won't listen to her, Esther asks the kindly Jem to help Mary.

Answer: He can provide an alibi for Jem, after the latter is arrested for Henry Carson's murder.

She finds him - at the very last moment - with the assistance of several friendly sailors, who agree to chase after Will's vessel, the 'John Cropper'. Fair and noble, Will agrees to do anything he can to prove Jem's innocence.

Answer: John Barton and Mr Carson

John Barton was responsible for Henry Carson's murder. Towards the end of the book, he confesses his crime to Carson's father, and realises the terrible pain he has caused.

Answer: Jane Wilson

Both Alice and John Barton have died before the end of the novel. Job Legh remains in Manchester (he is not related to either Mary or Jem and so has no reason to move away with them). However, Jane has been widowed and, deciding there is nothing left for her in Britain, chooses to travel away with her beloved son and his new wife.