North and South · Chapter
XLII: Alone! Alone! explained
Margaret Hale lies in a state of physical and emotional prostration following her father's death.
What happens
Margaret Hale lies in a state of physical and emotional prostration following her father's death. Mr. Bell, perplexed and concerned, arranges for Mrs. Shaw to come from London to care for her. Meanwhile, Mr. Thornton visits, and in conversation with Mr. Bell, his lingering feelings for Margaret are subtly probed. Thornton also discusses his plans for a communal dining-room for his workers, inspired by Higgins. The chapter closes with Thornton reflecting on the preciousness of his time in Milton despite its pains, while Mrs. Thornton and Fanny discuss wedding preparations.
Themes in this chapter
Duty and Sacrifice
Mr. Bell takes on the duty of caring for Margaret, arranging for her aunt's arrival, while Thornton sacrifices personal pride to implement a plan for his workers' welfare.
Moral Integrity and Redemption
Thornton's decision to proceed with the dining-room plan despite Higgins's prior claim reflects his moral integrity and desire for redemption in his relations with the workers.
Love and Marriage
Thornton's unspoken love for Margaret is probed by Mr. Bell, and Fanny's wedding preparations highlight the contrast between superficial and deep attachments.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Hale
Prostrate after her father's death, lying on the sofa with eyes shut, speaking only in whispers, refusing food.
- Mr. Bell
Takes charge of Margaret's care, writes to Mrs. Shaw to come, and later discusses Margaret with Mr. Thornton.
- John Thornton
Visits Crampton to inquire after Margaret, discusses his dining-room plan for workers with Mr. Bell, and reflects on his deep feelings for Margaret.
- Dixon
Cries over Margaret's state, assists Mr. Bell, and later is curt with Mr. Thornton while boasting of the Harley Street household.
- Mrs. Shaw
Arrives from London in response to Mr. Bell's letter, anxious to take Margaret back with her.
- Edith
Sends her mother to bring Margaret back to live with them, and speaks with Henry Lennox about Sholto.
Key passages
“The shock had been great. Margaret fell into a state of prostration, which did not show itself in sobs and tears, or even find the relief of words.”
Margaret was so overwhelmed by the shock that she became completely drained, unable to cry or speak.
Describes Margaret's profound grief after her father's death.
“I did hope you had had nobleness enough in you to make you pay her the homage of the heart.”
I hoped you were noble enough to love her deeply, even if she didn't return your feelings.
Mr. Bell challenges Thornton to admit his true feelings for Margaret.
“It had been a royal time of luxury to him, with all its stings and contumelies, compared to the poverty that crept round and clipped the anticipation of the future down to sordid fact.”
For Thornton, the time when he could see Margaret daily was a period of immense richness, despite its pains, unlike the barren present.
Thornton's internal reflection on the value of his past nearness to Margaret.