Cranford · Chapter
XIII: Stopped Payment explained
Miss Matty receives a printed notice about a shareholders' meeting for the Town and County Bank, and while shopping for silk, she witnesses a farmer's distress when his banknote is refused.
What happens
Miss Matty receives a printed notice about a shareholders' meeting for the Town and County Bank, and while shopping for silk, she witnesses a farmer's distress when his banknote is refused. She insists on exchanging her gold sovereigns for his note, demonstrating her honesty and concern for others despite the risk to herself.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Economy
The chapter centers on the financial crisis of the Town and County Bank, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals like the farmer and Miss Matty to economic instability.
Kindness and Moral Character
Miss Matty's selfless act of exchanging gold for the farmer's dubious note exemplifies her moral integrity and compassion, even at personal risk.
Change vs. Tradition
The bank's potential failure represents a disruptive economic change that threatens the traditional, stable life of Cranford's residents.
Characters to notice
- Miss Matty Jenkyns
Receives a printed invitation to a bank shareholders' meeting; shows her gentle, honest nature by exchanging gold for a farmer's doubted banknote.
- Mary Smith
Receives a letter from her father warning about the bank's troubles; tries to shield Miss Matty from worry and observes the events with concern.
- Miss Deborah Jenkyns
Recalled in a flashback describing her strict, charitable treatment of the postman Thomas, contrasting with Miss Matty's gentler approach.
- Martha
Mentioned in the flashback as being beckoned out of the kitchen by Miss Matty while the postman ate.
- Mr. Johnson
The shopman who refuses the Town and County Bank note, citing a warning received that morning.
- Mr. Dobson
A farmer who tries to pay with a five-pound note from the Town and County Bank; his dismay is evident when the note is refused.
Key passages
“I will give you five sovereigns for your note, my good man. I think there is some great mistake about it, for I am one of the shareholders, and I'm sure they would have told me if things had not been going on right.”
Miss Matty offers to exchange five gold coins for the farmer's banknote, believing the bank is still sound since she is a shareholder and hasn't been informed otherwise.
Demonstrates Miss Matty's trust in the bank and her willingness to help a stranger despite her own potential loss.
“It is only going without my gown a few days longer. Then, I have no doubt, everything will be cleared up.”
Miss Matty decides to delay buying her silk dress, confident that the bank's troubles will soon be resolved.
Shows her optimistic and self-sacrificing nature, prioritizing the farmer's immediate need over her own desire.