Summary and Analysis of Mary Barton "Criticism"

Summary - 
The section of Mary Barton "Criticism" is useful to understand alternative concepts of the literature. I chose to examine the criticisms "Carson's Murder and the Inadequacy of Hope in Mary Barton" (501) by John Lucas and "The Streetwalker and Urban Observations in Mary Barton" (583) by Deirdre D'Albertis. Both of these texts circle around the social issues examined in the novel of poverty and strife. Lucas presents the case that Gaskell only works against herself in the novel by murdering Carson and turning John Barton into the villain who the reader wants to pity and push against. He claims "she finds the murder necessary  because by means of it she can simplify a complexity which has become too terrific for her to accept consciously  (503). Mr. Barton, in the view of Lucas, is entered to this fate in order to ensure that Gaskell does not have to worry about his complex character any longer. D'Albertis critiques the authors portrayal of John Barton and Esther. The criticism largely focuses on the role of prostitution and social issues. The prostitution and expectations of society have a large impact on the novel and D'Albertis and how Gaskell intends to shape the way the novel is read.

Gaskell's choice in plot movement can be seen to undermine the themes of the novel. For Lucas, the murder of Carson by Mr. Barton is "damaging all that is best in her novel." He believes this because it simplifies all of the complexities that were earlier being developed in the novel. The murder turns the novel on the course of resolution and Mary's road to a relationship with Jem but most importantly, the mill owners forgiveness of his son's murderer and promise for more fair employment. D'Albertis expands on this characterization of John Barton by claiming that he was abandoned in the novel as he was pushed away from the position of main character. He, along with Esther, becomes "driven underground" (584) by Gaskell. Though the novel moves along examining women's roles, prostitution, wages, disease, and courting but then it suddenly turns to tragedy and a quick resolution. The ending is not a "happily ever after" novel but in the scheme of a "state of England" novel it does end fairly in the fairy tale nature. Mary is able to move on happily while her father and aunt suffer much more harsh fates. They are shown little sympathy in the way of creating a "nice" message and conclusion with Gaskell's intended message. The novel, according to both critics, could have been developed in a more true and gripping way through the use of John and Esther.

Gaskell, Elizabeth. Mary Barton. Ed Thomas Recchio. A Norton Critical Edition. New York:              W.W. Norton, 2008. Print.

Summary and Analysis of Several Mary Barton "Contemporary Reviews"

9 September 2013

Summary
For this blog, I chose to look at the reviews by the Manchester Literary Times in 1848, John Forster in 1848, and the British Quarterly in 1849. These reviews come merely in unison with the release of the novel in 1848 and detail the quality of the novel before the author is revealed. This timely relevance means the reviews understand the challenges of the time as well as the issues of disparity that Gaskell seeks to uncover through the novel. The Manchester Literary Times believes that while the novel is no great literary work, its honesty and ability to describe the world around it is inspiring. Forster agrees in his claim that the novel “is no bragging, or tolling of things fantastical” (Forster 367). He claims that is it through sympathy that Barton constructs a beautiful novel and like the Manchester Literary Review understands it is the plainness and ease of the literature which gives the novel literary credibility. The British Quarterly agrees with the beauty of the writing style but calls into question accuracy of the picture being portrayed. It calls into question the own faults of the poor and the depiction of all mill owners as bad men. It claims “this one sided picture” (British Quarterly 370) is inaccurate. The review really steps away from the abstract appreciation of literary technique and theme but looks instead into historical relevance and accuracy. In a sense out of this grouping, the British Quarterly represents the upperclass and plays the devil's advocate. 

Analysis

The first two reviews assume that the picture being painted of the poor is accurate. John Forster sympathizes with their plight and go as far as to claim “be satisfied with the knowledge that they are born, are wretched, and die, is certainly no longer possible” (Forster 367).  Through this statement he acknowledges that the novel has made valid claims and has highlighted plausible issues. He calls them the “dangerous classes” as acknowledges that the respectable populations carries little sympathy for the lower class and that is the value of the novel. Likewise, the Manchester Literary Times at least acknowledges the unfortunate as a “humble class” (366) and while lends little room for sympathy finds beauty in their recognition and Gaskell’s passion. Together these articles agree that Gaskell’s writing is worthy of respect for its honesty and ability to portray a set of individuals in an intimate and heart wrenching way. They believe her achievements are found in the ability to sway public opinion. However, in the opinion of The British Quarterly, the author “seems still under the influence of the very common misapprehensions entertained respecting the laboriousness of occupation in the factories” (372). This review harshly critiques and defends what is thought of as the social order and treatment of lower classes. It brings out statistics claiming that the incidents in factories are not as prevalent as supported in texts like Mary Barton. Ultimately, it is understood that the living conditions were not favorable and the world was changing through industrialism as jobs boomed and busted. These critics show the reader that the class warfare came from both sides and whether Gaskell meant to be political in nature, her writing still caused discussion. Discussion for improvements sake means this novel is a success. In addition, it is considered an estimable literary work, agreeable by all.

Gaskell, Elizabeth. Mary Barton. Ed Thomas Recchio. A Norton Critical Edition. New York:              W.W. Norton, 2008. Print.