There is also the importance of the employer and employee relationship. Margaret disagrees with the strong feeling of a parent and child relationship that exists between the masters and men, that often creates tension.
There are differences not only between those that are rich and those that are not, but also gain and use of that wealth. There is an obvious contrast between Bessy, Margaret and Fanny. They are all the same age but live completely different lives according to their wealth. Bessy is poor and suffers greatly from the poverty. Margaret is comfortable while Fanny benefits from her brother’s wealth and like Edith enjoys an idle lifestyle.
The Mr. Hales position is not as respected in the North as it is in the south, as reflected in the family’s trouble in getting a servant. There is also a difference in their route to wealth, Mr. Thornton’s is by being dynamic, working hard and seizing opportunities, while Mr. Hale’s was by doing dull, tedious work for many years.
But it is their attitudes to wealth that are so different. The south prefer simple decoration, they have a secure knowledge of their wealth, while in the north, their need to heavily ornate and decorate themselves and surroundings is emphasised, showing a clear insecurity, and need to “show off”. This is best summed up at the dinner party, where Margaret shows distaste at the gross amount of food laid out before her, which is particularly shown up against her previous visit to Bessy’s house.
The characters have to be both the easiest and strongest way of showing contrasts, and creating energy.
The first contrast we see is at the beginning of chapter 1, where the differences between Edith and Margaret are made clear. Edith is superficial; she acts childishly, showing off her husband. Margaret on the other hand is full of intense reactions, nostalgia and basic sincerity.
The next clear difference we see is of that between Margaret and her parents. Unlike both her parents, Margaret is strong and independent. Her father even has to rely on her to break news of the move to her mother.
However, the best example of contrast is the first meeting of Margaret and Mr. Thornton. Here we see a strong sense of masculinity and femininity, the sexual tension is strong, and adds an electrifying air to the confrontation. Mr. Thornton’s masculinity is also contrasted with that of Margaret’s only other suitor, Mr. Lennox, who like her father is very feminine.
Then there are the contrasts between and in the families. Mr. Thornton and Mrs. Thornton are both very strong characters, bullish almost, compared to the personality of Fanny, who is similar to Edith. However, Mrs. Thornton is more perceptive than her son, and sees that he has fallen in love with Margaret, even though Mr. Thornton cannot admit it to himself or anyone else.
The two mothers are in deep contrast to each other. They are the personifications of the feeling of north and south. The north being strong and uncompromising, while the south is soft and snobbish.
Another contrast that is picked out in the book is between the two males. One is described as soft, weak and tired even “almost feminine” the other is distinctly masculine, hardened, defined, astute and energetic.
The final contrast in characters is between Bessy and Margaret. This is a clear contrast, as they are both girls, and are both the same age. They differ in wealth and attitudes and it is a clear indication of what is considered important when discussing what Margaret is going to wear to the dinner party.
Interestingly, there is a feeling of contrast that, while Mr. Thornton is not academically learned, which Margaret is, he is much more socially and emotionally developed than her, while she is tormented by the sights of Bessy in her state.
The first important example of contrasting dialogue is in chapter 9, between the Hales. Here, it helps to clearly show the different positions of each character. Mr. Hale is anxious, Mrs. Hale is querulous and Margaret is overworked.
There is also a contrast between the Hales argument at the beginning of this chapter and the Thorntons, at the end, to emphasise how different they are.
Other contrasts in dialogue include the way in which Mr. Thornton and then Mrs. Thornton talk to Margaret in chapter 15, and then in Margaret’s talk with Bessy where the contrasts between North and South are highlighted.
Finally, another clear contrast is the discussion between Mr. Thornton and Margaret at the dinner party over the meaning of the word “gentleman”. Here, Gaskell skilfully uses the dialogue to create a sense of sexual tension between them.
One major point in how the structure of the novel helps to create a contrast is in the titles. Significant titles like “haste to the wedding” are followed “roses and thorns” a juxtaposition of two images that heighten the point that Gaskell is trying to put across.
The other is in Mr. Lennox proposing. Here we see a sudden crisis that Margaret faces which is mirrored by a deeply poignant crisis of having to move from Helstone.
Similarities help to stress the contrasts in the novel. The easiest similarity is between Margaret and Mr. Thornton, most importantly in their pride.
Another is the illness shared by the Higginses and the Hales. This can almost be seen as a reflection of social illnesses within the society.
All these contrasts help to move the story along and create energy, particularly among the characters. One clear example of how Gaskell uses contrasts is in Mr. Thornton and Margaret’s first meeting where the sexual tension helps to create a strong atmosphere and well-written piece.
