# Likes and Dislikes explained — North and South

> Chapter companion for North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

## What happens

Mr. Hale accepts a dinner invitation from Mrs. Thornton despite Margaret's concerns about Mrs. Hale's health. At the Thornton household, John Thornton defends the Hales against his mother and sister's criticisms, revealing his admiration for Margaret and his wish that his mother would befriend her. The chapter also introduces the brewing strike among the mill workers, with Thornton determined to hold firm against the hands.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Industrial Conflict

Thornton discusses the impending strike and the economic pressures of American competition, illustrating the conflict between masters and workers.

### Pride and Prejudice

Mrs. Thornton and Fanny express prejudice against Margaret's pride, while John Thornton defends her, revealing his own pride and conflicted feelings.

### Family and Loyalty

Mr. Hale's anxious care for his wife and John Thornton's loyalty to his family's economic position are central to the chapter.

## Character check-ins

### Margaret Hale

Margaret objects to accepting the dinner invitation due to her mother's health, but eventually concedes to give her father comfort.

### Mr. Hale

Anxious about his wife's health, he eagerly accepts the invitation and prepares lectures on Ecclesiastical Architecture for the working people.

### Mrs. Hale

Though an invalid, she wishes to attend the dinner; Margaret notes a slight improvement in her appearance.

### John Thornton

Defends the Hales against his mother and sister, admits he would never marry Margaret, but asks his mother to befriend her. Also discusses the impending strike with determination.

### Mrs. Thornton

Critical of Margaret's pride, but agrees to befriend her at John's request. Shows interest in the strike situation.

### Fanny Thornton

Makes snide remarks about Margaret's lack of accomplishments and tires of the conversation about the Hales.

## Key lines

> Mother," said he, stopping, and bravely speaking out the truth, "I wish you would like Miss Hale."

John Thornton asks his mother to try to like Margaret Hale.

_Thornton reveals his personal interest in Margaret despite claiming he will never propose._

> I foresee trouble for that girl⁠—perhaps, want of motherly care⁠—and I only wish you to be ready to be a friend to her, in case she needs one.

Thornton predicts that Margaret will face difficulties and asks his mother to be a friend to her.

_Thornton shows concern for Margaret's future, hinting at his deeper feelings._

> Hamper's men are actually out. Mine are working out their week, through fear of being prosecuted for breach of contract.

Thornton reports that Hamper's workers have gone on strike, while his own are finishing their week to avoid legal action.

_The strike is beginning, and Thornton is taking a hard line against the workers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xviii-likes-and-dislikes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/north_and_south_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters