# XII: Morning Calls explained — North and South

> Chapter companion for North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

## What happens

Mrs. Thornton reluctantly prepares to call on the Hales at her son John's insistence, despite her disdain for the effort and expense. She and Fanny visit, where Mrs. Thornton observes the Hales' modest home and judges Margaret's embroidery as frivolous, while Mrs. Hale is impressed by Mrs. Thornton's antique lace. Margaret struggles to converse with Fanny, who complains about the lack of a piano. After the visit, Mrs. Thornton warns Fanny against forming a friendship with Margaret, but acknowledges that John's wishes have been satisfied.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Industrial Conflict

Mrs. Thornton's disdain for the Hales' modest home and her judgment of Margaret's embroidery versus Mrs. Hale's knitting highlight class distinctions and the tension between old gentility and industrial pragmatism.

### Family and Loyalty

John Thornton's insistence on the visit and his mother's grudging compliance demonstrate family duty and loyalty, while Mrs. Thornton's protective love for her son contrasts with her impatience with Fanny.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Thornton

Reluctantly makes a social call on the Hales at her son's request, displaying her stern, practical nature and disdain for frivolity.

### John Thornton

Insists his mother and sister call on the Hales, showing his determination to be civil and his protective care for his mother.

### Fanny Thornton

Grudgingly accompanies her mother, complaining of a headache and showing her weak character and reliance on comfort.

### Margaret Hale

Hosts the Thorntons, embroidering a baby gift for Edith, and silently reflects on Fanny's ignorance of poverty.

### Mrs. Hale

Makes an effort to converse with Mrs. Thornton, captivated by her antique lace, which suggests family heritage.

## Key lines

> She had an unconscious contempt for a weak character; and Fanny was weak in the very points in which her mother and brother were strong.

Mrs. Thornton instinctively looked down on weakness, and Fanny lacked the strength that both she and John possessed.

_Reveals Mrs. Thornton's values and the family dynamics, where Fanny is seen as inferior._

> The room altogether was full of knickknacks, which must take a long time to dust; and time to people of limited income was money.

Mrs. Thornton noted the many decorative items in the room, thinking that dusting them wasted time, which for those with little money was a valuable resource.

_Illustrates Mrs. Thornton's practical, cost-conscious mindset and her judgment of the Hales' domestic choices._

## Links

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