North and South · Chapter
New Scenes and Faces explained
Margaret Hale and her father arrive in Milton-Northern to find a new home.
What happens
Margaret Hale and her father arrive in Milton-Northern to find a new home. They struggle to find suitable accommodation within their budget, eventually settling on a house in Crampton. Margaret meets John Thornton for the first time when he comes to see her father on business, and their initial encounter is marked by mutual observation and a subtle assertion of authority.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Industrial Conflict
Margaret's initial impressions of Milton and its manufacturers highlight the class distinctions and the industrial setting that defines the novel's conflict.
Pride and Prejudice
Margaret's haughty demeanor and Thornton's pride are evident in their first meeting, setting the stage for their evolving relationship.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Hale
Margaret arrives in Milton, shows practical sense in planning the new house, and meets John Thornton with dignified composure.
- Mr. Hale
Mr. Hale accompanies Margaret to Milton, searches for a house, and defends Mr. Thornton against Margaret's mild criticism.
- John Thornton
Thornton calls on Mr. Hale, is struck by Margaret's beauty and demeanor, and feels ashamed of the house he had recommended.
Key passages
“With such an expression of resolution and power, no face, however plain in feature, could be either vulgar or common. I should not like to have to bargain with him; he looks very inflexible.”
Margaret observes that Thornton's face, though plain, shows determination and strength, and she feels he would be a tough negotiator.
Margaret's first impression of Thornton emphasizes his inflexible character.
“Mr. Thornton was a good deal more surprised and discomfited than she. Instead of a quiet, middle-aged clergyman, a young lady came forward with frank dignity—a young lady of a different type to most of those he was in the habit of seeing.”
Thornton is taken aback to find Margaret instead of her father, and is struck by her dignified and unusual presence.
The encounter subverts Thornton's expectations and highlights Margaret's impact.