Bellingham as the man who seduced and cheated a young girl or make the readers see his nice side (I could not see any) as well. It felt as if Gaskell was undecided whether to show Mr. We know he walked out on Ruth, but in some portions in the book, Gaskell writes in his POV about how he loves (loved?) Ruth. Bellingham seems to be an unbelievable character. There were a lot of Biblical quotes and passages which gives an overall preachy tone to the book. 2 greatly dampened my interest in the book. So I think this characterisation of the young girl makes her seem unrealistic. She is the perfect heroine, except for her ‘sin’ in mothering an illegitimate child. She is a virtuous, gentle, calm, ever-patient, never-complaining, selfless girl. Perhaps in an attempt to make Ruth appealing to her readers, Gaskell strips her of all human vices. Benson, a hunchback, Gaskell effectively guides the reader through such examples that makes one see how weak or strong human nature can be. There is an underlying theme that defies the logic of ‘good looks make a gentleman’.
Also, the burden of this sin falls solely on the woman’s shoulder and the man is never blamed, thanks to the gender hierarchy that existed in those times. There are thought provoking passages on what the society considers as ‘sin’ (example : a fallen woman) and whether the church should accept or rebuke those who have sinned. Bradshaw, who highly praises Ruth seems to forget all her good qualities when he comes to know of her past. Benson’s household help, is suspicious about the truth about Ruth, she makes her cut her hair like a widow before she accepts her. Gaskell is successful in pointing out the hypocrisy prevalent in the Victorian society. Ruth has a brisk pace throughout, except in the middle where it drags a bit. The public must have been furious for writing a novel that talks about illegitimacy.
But what happens when the past catches up with her?Įlizabeth Gaskell’s bravery in writing a novel that touches on such sensitive topics is commendable, especially since she is the wife of a minister. Benson and his sister and starts a new life with an invented past. After a lot of persuasion, she moves in with Mr. Benson, minister of a small congregation. Alone, abandoned, moneyless and pregnant, Ruth finds a friend in Mr. Bellingham falls ill, his mother sees it as the perfect opportunity to whisk her son away from the temptress that is Ruth. They run away and Ruth finds herself becoming his mistress. Bellingham who convinces her that he is in love with her. Sixteen year old Ruth is befriended by Mr. When Ruth Hilton’s parents die, her guardian helps her to secure the position of an apprentice at a seamstress’ shop. Elizabeth Gaskell tells the story of a fallen woman in the Victorian period in her novel Ruth.
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