Mary Barton (Review Analysis and Summary)

In February of 1849 "British Quarterly" published a review of the historic novel Mary Barton. In the review it was stated that "It is a long time since there has existed, in the working men of Manchester, such a state of feeling as would have manifested itself in the tragic manner depicted in the work before us. Time has been, however, when murders were committed by member of trades'-unions, in order to terrify the masters into compliance" (Recchio 369). It is therefore inferred, that through reading the novel one is able to better understand the tragic circumstances that existed during the time the novel was published. The novel also sheds light on what encouraged the lower and working class to commit such heinous crimes and acts of desperation. This is seen in the novel, with John Barton murdering the wealthy mill-owner son Harry Carson when the working class is consumed with utter hopelessness and despair and feel as though they have no other choice. A year prior to this review, Henry Fothergill Chorley, articulated that Elizabeth Gaskell "is excellent in the anatomy of feelings and motives, in the display of character, in the lifelike and simple use of dialogue: and the result is, a painful interest very rare in our experience" (Recchio 365). Chorley then supports his analysis of Gaskell through summarization stating "Mary, being admitted as a milliner's workwoman, becomes the object of pursuit to a rich manufacturer's son; and her head is turned for a passing moment by his flatteries, to the point of making her reject the love of a young engine-maker, Jem Wilson, who has courted her honestly and long. For this fit of coquetry she is doomed to suffer deeply" (Recchio 365). Through immersing oneself into Gaskell's famous Mary Barton one is presented a realistic and engaging character consumed in tragedy and transported back to a time where tragedy was abundant and hopelessness was prevalent. The novel paints a vivid description of the time period, a first hand account of impoverished Manchester London, and the tale of a fantastical girl who eventually discovers love and contentment.

"British Quarterly" argues that despite Mary Barton accurately describing how the lower class would riot and commit crimes to pressure their employers into compliance, that the novel itself is inaccurate in its descriptions of everyday life as a factory worker, stating "the writer of 'Mary Barton' seems still under the influence of very common misapprehensions entertained respecting the laboriousness of occupation in the factories" (Recchio 370). Despite the novel incorporating tragedy throughout, it is arguable that life in mills and factories was much more difficult and tragic then what is portrayed in the narrative. Another instance in which the narrative comes off as inaccurate is the ending in which Mary has married Jem and happily moved to Canada, and faced with the destruction of his mill and the death of his son Mr. Carson works to make life in the factories more humane. Albeit a cynical remark, the review enforces this through inadvertently stating that happy endings during this time was extremely rare especially with the prevalence of death and disease. Chorley, who is more interested in Gaskell as an author than the narrative as a whole reminds the audience that even if there are inaccuracies in the novel the work is aesthetically pleasing, empathetic, and leaves us with a sense of understanding and satisfaction.