# Mistakes explained — North and South

> Chapter companion for North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

## What happens

Margaret grapples with shame and self-reproach after her impulsive defense of Thornton during the riot, while Thornton, encouraged by his mother, resolves to propose to Margaret, believing her actions reveal her feelings for him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Prejudice

Margaret's shame over her actions and her fear of being perceived as in love with Thornton underscore her pride and the social prejudices she must overcome.

### Gender Roles and Women's Agency

Margaret's defense of Thornton challenges Victorian gender norms, leading her to question her own actions and the societal judgment of her 'maiden pride.'

### Love and Marriage

Thornton's decision to propose based on Margaret's protective act, and Mrs. Thornton's reluctant acceptance, set the stage for the evolving romantic dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Margaret Hale

Margaret is tormented by the memory of her public defense of Thornton, feeling she has disgraced herself and fearing others think she is in love with him.

### John Thornton

Thornton is consumed by thoughts of Margaret's embrace during the riot and decides to propose, despite his mother's jealousy and his own doubts.

### Mrs. Thornton

Mrs. Thornton struggles with jealousy over her son's love for Margaret but ultimately encourages him to propose, acknowledging Margaret's worth.

### Mr. Hale

Mr. Hale is preoccupied with his wife's illness and remains unaware of Margaret's inner turmoil, seeking comfort from her after putting Mrs. Hale to sleep.

### Mrs. Hale

Mrs. Hale is ill and resting, having received a water-bed from Mrs. Thornton, and is largely absent from the chapter's emotional action.

### Dixon

Dixon delivers the water-bed from Mrs. Thornton and relays Thornton's inquiry about Margaret's health, prompting Margaret's defensive response.

## Key lines

> I, who hate scenes—I, who have despised people for showing emotion—who have thought them wanting in self-control—I went down and must needs throw myself into the melée, like a romantic fool!

Margaret criticizes herself for acting impulsively and emotionally during the riot, contrary to her usual disdain for public displays of feeling.

_This reveals Margaret's internal conflict between her rational self-image and her passionate actions._

> If I saved one blow, one cruel, angry action that might otherwise have been committed, I did a woman’s work. Let them insult my maiden pride as they will—I walk pure before God!

Margaret justifies her intervention as a moral duty, asserting her integrity despite any damage to her reputation.

_This highlights Margaret's evolving sense of agency and moral conviction._

> I dare not hope. I never was fainthearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me.

Thornton expresses his disbelief that Margaret could have romantic feelings for him, despite her protective actions.

_This shows Thornton's vulnerability and the depth of his feelings for Margaret._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters/xxiii-mistakes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/north_and_south_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/north_and_south_se/chapters