The fundamental theme of prejudice in the story is location. Gaskell contrasts the North and South almost as if they were two entirely different countries. Helstone is a sunny place, and the days are lazy and care free for Margaret. As they approach Milton there is the imagery of a “deep lead-coloured cloud”. This metallic dark imagery develops a negative sense of the town, as a reader would think of this image cognitively as dark and gloomy. Mrs Hale had a preliminary regard for the town which was confirmed upon seeing the gloom of the town. “You can’t think the smoky air of a manufacturing town, all chimneys and dirt like Milton-Northern, would be better than this air, which is pure and sweet…”
Margaret detests the cultural aspects of Milton; she does not like the wallpaper or the architecture. The people in the town would make, “loud laughs and jests, particularly aimed at all those who appeared to be above them in rank or station”, Margaret has been alienated by the attitude of the townsfolk, and there is that element of prejudice because they can see by the way she dresses she is not of their class.
When Mr Thornton is introduced to Margaret there is an initial prejudice, as the narrator says, “He almost said to himself that he did not like her, before their conversation ended.” For Margaret the feeling is mutual, as she demonstrates by speaking condescendingly of John to her mother. She believes Mr Thornton’s education is responsible for him being in trade, “why he can’t help that poor fellow”. She talks in a pitiful manner of Mr Thornton being in trade, because of her prejudice towards tradesmen.
The Thornton and Hale family symbolize the divide of North and South in Gaskell’s novel. Mrs Hale criticises her husband’s new job, as she is still bitter that they had to move from the luxury of Helstone to the industrial Milton because as a minister of the Church of England Mr Hale had, had doubts about his position and decided to become a teacher. In her criticism she exclaims, “What in the world do manufacturers want with the classics, or literature, or the accomplishments of a gentleman? Mrs Thornton illustrates that Northern culture may not be as well acquainted to intellectual progression, but they deserve recognition for their hard work, “Classics may do very well for men who loiter away their lives in the country or in colleges; but Milton men ought to have their thoughts and powers absorbed in the works of today”. Margaret is still naive to Northern life and cannot contemplate that one may wish to channel energy to only one objective in life.
Mrs Thornton also takes a dislike to Margaret
