elizabeth gaskell wives and daughters summary

Gibson is said to enjoy 'toying' with him on rational subjects. The vicar at Hollingford is not a very intellectual man and has a tendency to state things without knowing why he believes them, and Mr.

Molly's stepmother is a flighty, fluffy, silly woman with her mind bent on worldly things. The Lady Cumnor, who lives at the Towers and is respected by everyone, is fond of satiric comments and has a tendency to look down her nose at others her mischievous daughter Lady Harriet is also somewhat proud in her own way and expects to be obeyed in all, but is also considerate and kind. The people of Hollingford are fond of gossip, and they inflict pain on people through slander. There is a great variety of characters depicted in this Victorian novel, and much variance in character and morals. His brother, Osborne, keeps an important secret from his father out of fear and worry - a fact which is considered understandable, but not right. Roger Hamley, who is really the hero of the tale, is very kindhearted and good and respectful.

Cynthia is not a steady character and gets herself into various 'scrapes,' and she repeatedly talks of her inability to truly love anyone. Molly always tries to think of others before herself, and is thoughtful of the needs of those around her. Between the troubles at nearby Hamley Hall, where Molly has become almost part of the Hamley household, and Cynthia's worrisome secrets, Molly has her hands full trying to hold everything together. But when her father remarries, she gets not only a stepmother, but a stepsister into the bargain: pretty, lovable, coquettish Cynthia Kirkpatrick. Molly Gibson has been raised solely by her father, the only doctor in their town of Hollingford, since her mother died when she was little. A quiet, engaging novel of life in the English countryside in the Victorian era.

Elizabeth gaskell wives and daughters summary