North and South · Chapter
Wrought Iron and Gold explained
In this chapter, John Thornton visits the Hale family and engages in a heated debate with Margaret and Mr.
What happens
In this chapter, John Thornton visits the Hale family and engages in a heated debate with Margaret and Mr. Hale about the nature of industrial society, class relations, and the moral character of the working class. Thornton defends the self-made man and criticizes what he sees as the improvidence of the poor, while Margaret counters with a defense of the South and its more pastoral, less conflict-ridden way of life. The chapter also reveals Thornton's own humble beginnings and his mother's role in his rise, and ends with his offended reaction to Margaret's coldness.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Industrial Conflict
The chapter centers on the ideological clash between Thornton, representing the manufacturing class, and Margaret, who defends the agrarian South, highlighting the deep divisions between capital and labor.
North vs. South
Margaret explicitly contrasts the pastoral, less conflict-ridden South with the smoky, strife-torn North, while Thornton defends the North's progress and opportunity.
Pride and Prejudice
Margaret's pride and scornful demeanor provoke Thornton's resentment, and his own pride is wounded by her rejection of his handshake, illustrating mutual prejudice.
Industrialization and Progress
Thornton discusses the rapid development of the cotton trade, the power of early manufacturers, and the necessity of legislation, reflecting the theme of industrial progress and its costs.
Characters to notice
- John Thornton
Thornton defends his views on class and self-discipline, shares his personal history of rising from poverty, and is offended by Margaret's haughty demeanor.
- Margaret Hale
Margaret challenges Thornton's views, defends the South, and shows her pride and disapproval of his attitudes, leading to a tense exchange.
- Mr. Hale
Mr. Hale mediates the conversation, asking questions about class relations and the history of the cotton trade, and shows a more academic interest in the debate.
- Mrs. Hale
Mrs. Hale makes a brief comment about the dirtiness of Milton compared to the South, supporting Margaret's point.
Key passages
“fifteen shillings regularly. This made the beginning; this taught me self-denial.”
Thornton explains that saving three shillings out of a weekly income of fifteen shillings was the foundation of his success and taught him self-discipline.
Thornton uses his personal story to argue that self-denial and hard work are the keys to rising in society.
“A more proud, disagreeable girl I never saw. Even her great beauty is blotted out of one’s memory by her scornful ways.”
Thornton mutters to himself that Margaret is extremely proud and unpleasant, and her beauty is overshadowed by her contemptuous behavior.
This reveals Thornton's wounded pride and his negative impression of Margaret after she refuses his handshake.
“You do not know anything about the South. If there is less adventure or less progress... there is less suffering also.”
Margaret retorts that the South may have less industrial progress but also less suffering and injustice than the North.
Margaret defends her Southern heritage and criticizes the harshness of Northern industrial life.