Summary
Cranford is an episodic novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, based on her hometown, Knutsford. Focused on the fictional town of Cranford, the story is narrated by Mary Smith, whose detached perspective provides insight into the town's predominantly female society. Gaskell explores themes of societal change, class dynamics, and community resilience in response to economic transformation. The narrative uses satire to depict how the town adapts through humor and resourcefulness.
Plot
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell is set in an English village mostly inhabited by unmarried women and widows, often referred to as “Amazons." Narrated by Mary Smith, a frequent visitor, the story presents vignettes focusing on the quirks, social customs, and personal tales of Cranford's residents.
Captain Brown's arrival marks the beginning of the narrative as his openness about financial struggles unsettles the village's leading figure, Miss Deborah Jenkyns. After Brown's tragic death in a railway accident, the townspeople support his daughter, showing their communal spirit. The focus shifts to Miss Matty Jenkyns, Deborah's more flexible sister, reminiscing about a thwarted romance with Thomas Holbrook due to societal norms. Holbrook's unexpected death brings back old sorrows for Matty, highlighting the societal and familial constraints in her life. A key subplot involves Matty's brother, Peter Jenkyns, who had left for India after a youthful prank. His return resolves past conflicts, emphasizing reconciliation and familial affection.
Humor appears through incidents like Miss Betty Barker's social faux pas at a tea party, emphasizing tensions between aspiration and social hierarchy. Lady Glenmire's arrival further alters social dynamics, especially when her marriage to Mr. Hoggins challenges Cranford’s class structures. Intrigue grows with Signor Brunoni, a magician linked to local thefts. His true identity as a retired English soldier reveals ties to the community and hints at Peter Jenkyns's adventurous past.
Miss Matty faces financial ruin following her bank's collapse, prompting support from the women to maintain her dignity. Peter's return restores family duty and communal harmony, highlighting themes of compassion, resilience, and solidarity central to the novel.
Key characters
Cranford unfolds its story through distinct characters in the village. Mary Smith narrates the events as an occasional visitor, providing an external perspective. Miss Matty Jenkyns plays a central role, her past disappointments and financial struggles contributing to the narrative. Her sister, Miss Deborah Jenkyns, influences Cranford’s social scene with her authoritative demeanor. Their brother, Peter Jenkyns, creates tension by fleeing to join the military, returning later to resolve family issues.
Cranford's dynamic involves residents like Miss Pole, known for gossip that offers humor and societal insights. The Honourable Mrs. Jamieson maintains a unique social standing despite limited conversational skills. Mrs. Forrester, a widow, is loyal and shares whimsical stories, such as dressing her cat in lace.
Lady Glenmire, Mrs. Jamieson’s sister-in-law, challenges the social norms with a pragmatic approach. Captain Brown, a military figure, disrupts the female-dominated setting, leaving a significant impact due to his tragic end. Mr. Holbrook, a former love interest of Miss Matty, reappears, stirring emotions and regrets.
These characters, each with distinct personalities and interwoven stories, depict themes of friendship, societal hierarchy, and change in Cranford.
Themes
Economics in Cranford
Cranford depicts a Victorian community shaped by financial constraint and communal cooperation. The town's residents, primarily women, lead frugal lives. Miss Matty exemplifies this with her careful financial management, including her restrained use of candles. The women adhere to "elegant economy," avoiding ostentation. Genteel poverty is concealed under a surface of propriety, and even modest social indulgences are discouraged.
The narrative underscores community support during financial crises. When Miss Matty faces financial ruin, local women quietly provide assistance. This ensures her societal status remains secure. The story reflects Victorian values of community and class solidarity. Acts of mutual aid were crucial when women's economic opportunities were limited. Cranford presents a microcosm examining individual dignity, societal expectations, and the necessity of communal support in Victorian society.
Gender roles in Cranford
Cranford examines gender roles in a society governed by women. The women of Cranford, referred to as "Amazons," control their social and domestic lives with autonomy, while men are either absent or play minor roles. The narrative humorously notes, "Cranford is in possession of the Amazons; all the holders of houses, above a certain rent, are women."
The absence of male authority figures leads women to take on roles typically associated with men, such as financial management and community leadership. Captain Brown, one of the few men, disrupts this setting and contrasts with the prevailing matriarchy. His presence highlights the women's strength and adaptability. Gaskell critiques period gender norms and suggests the potential for change in women's societal roles.
Cranford presents a narrative on women's ability to thrive independently, encouraging reflection on traditional gender roles in Victorian society.
The wit and whimsy of Cranford
In the novel, Elizabeth Gaskell offers humorous moments to capture the town’s unique characters and collective traits. For example:
The Cow in Flannel: Miss Betty Barker dresses her cow in grey flannel after it falls into a lime-pit and loses its hair. This incident reflects the town's approach to problem-solving. Captain Brown humorously suggests creating a full wardrobe for the cow.
Miss Matty’s Intruder Detection: Miss Matty rolls a ball under her bed each night to ensure no one is hiding underneath. This habit reveals the vulnerabilities and imaginations of Cranford’s residents.
Mrs. Forrester's Unfortunate Cat: Mrs. Forrester's cat swallows her prized lace, causing panic laced with absurdity. This event highlights the trivial mishaps and the warmhearted nature of the community.
Quick facts
Cranford was originally serialized in Charles Dickens's magazine Household Words between 1851 and 1853, before its publication in book form in 1853.
The fictional town of Cranford is inspired by Knutsford, Cheshire, where Elizabeth Gaskell grew up.
Charles Dickens encouraged Elizabeth Gaskell to expand her initial Cranford story into a full novel.
Cranford portrays a predominantly female society, humorously called an “Amazonian society,” with very few men playing significant roles.
The narrative has an episodic structure and is driven by interconnected vignettes rather than a cohesive plot.
Cranford is known for its gentle humor and satirical yet affectionate portrayal of social etiquette and class dynamics during the Victorian era.
The novel emphasizes themes of friendship, female empowerment, and the resilience of women in Victorian society.
Illustrated editions of Cranford by artists like George du Maurier and Hugh Thomson significantly contributed to its popularity.
The character Miss Matty Jenkyns exemplifies Victorian gentility, kindness, and resilience, making her central to the novel’s appeal.
In the novel, the tragic death of Captain Brown occurs as he attempts to save a child from an oncoming train, an act of heroism.
Cranford has been adapted numerous times for radio, the stage, and the screen, notably, a critically acclaimed BBC television series in 2007.
Adaptations
Cranford has inspired various adaptations. The 2007 BBC television series is notable for its significant influence. This five-part series incorporates elements from My Lady Ludlow, Mr. Harrison's Confessions, and The Last Generation in England. Capturing the essence of Gaskell’s work with its ensemble cast and faithful narrative, the adaptation received recognition for its depiction of 19th-century English village life. The 2009 sequel, Return to Cranford, continued the story, focusing on character development and narrative continuity.
About the author
Elizabeth Gaskell, born in 1810, significantly influenced Victorian literature with her depictions of British society. Raised by her aunt in Knutsford after her mother's death, she drew inspiration from the town for Cranford, an episodic novel focused on themes of women’s resilience and societal change. Charles Dickens encouraged her to serialize Cranford in Household Words from 1851 to 1853. Gaskell’s writings often address class, gender, and social norms, reflecting her era's realities. Her marriage to William Gaskell, a Unitarian minister, placed her in Manchester's industrial setting. This environment influenced works like Mary Barton, which displays her social awareness.
