North And South Margaret Hale Analysis

A significant piece of Victorian literature, North and South, is a novel published in 1855. Gaskell portrays to us the conflicts of different worlds; the rural south vs. the industrial north, mill owners vs. workers, and women private world vs. men public world. The novel’s protagonist Margaret Hale, one of the strongest female characters in English literature and the heroine of North and South, embodies the true spirit of a heroine. Margaret Hale proves herself continuously to be a strong and independent young woman who challenges the social norms. From the very beginning of the novel, Miss Hale evinces her independence and self-reliance. Margaret asks "are all these quite necessary troubles?" (NS 9). She has her thoughts about Edith's wedding, and speaks with Henry about planning her own wedding. She rejects society's norms and traditions by wishing a simple wedding for herself when the time comes, of going her own way, and thus rejects the trends and norms set by society. Henry, who misunderstands her, confesses his love for Margaret and his desire to marry her. She rejects the proposal from Henry and does not consult her parents. Similarly, Margaret hangs her arms around Mr Thornton's neck to protect …show more content…
Atara Stein explains that the Byronic Hero is rebellious; "he creates his own rules and his own moral code, and while he may break the law in pursuit of his goals, he takes responsibility for his actions" (1). Margaret in some scenes tries to chase her goals by using others. For example, she refuses Henry's proposal but at the end, she uses him to manage her own business "I am so sorry Mr. Lennox is not here,—he could have done it so much better than I can. He is my adviser in this" (NS 487). This shows that Margaret's personality develops in a way to fulfil her desire unlike her previous