North and South · Chapter
XXVII: Fruit-Piece explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Thornton, after a day of sharp business dealings and magisterial duties, learns from Dr. Donaldson that Mrs. Hale is gravely ill and craves fruit. Despite his recent rejection by Margaret, he personally selects and delivers a basket of fine fruit to the Hales, performing the kindness for Mr. Hale and in defiance of Margaret's scorn. Meanwhile, Margaret learns of Bessy Higgins's death and agrees to visit her, while struggling with her own emotions and memories of Helstone.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Prejudice
Thornton's pride is wounded by Margaret's rejection, yet he performs a kind act in defiance of her scorn; Mrs. Hale accuses Margaret of prejudice against Thornton.
Duty and Sacrifice
Thornton's sense of duty leads him to personally deliver fruit to Mrs. Hale despite his emotional turmoil; Margaret agrees to visit Bessy's body out of respect for the dead.
Social Class and Industrial Conflict
Thornton's role as a magistrate dealing with the aftermath of the strike and riot, and his brisk business dealings, highlight the class tensions in Milton.
Characters to notice
- John Thornton
Shows his practical kindness by bringing fruit to Mrs. Hale despite his recent humiliation, and demonstrates sharp business acumen and authority in magisterial duties.
- Margaret Hale
Struggles with her emotions after Bessy's death and her father's nostalgic mention of Helstone; she agrees to visit Bessy's body and is silently aware of Thornton's presence.
- Mrs. Hale
Lies ill and feverish, grateful for Thornton's gift of fruit, but chides Margaret for her apparent prejudice against him.
- Mr. Hale
Peels fruit for his wife and reminisces about Helstone, inadvertently triggering Margaret's grief; expresses deep gratitude to Thornton.
- Bessy Higgins
Has died this morning; her last wish was to be buried in something of Margaret's, and she sent affectionate respects to Margaret.
- Nicholas Higgins
Mentioned as having gone out in the morning before Bessy's death; his whereabouts are unknown, and Mary fears he may turn to drink.
Key passages
“It were a day or two ago she axed to be buried in somewhat o' yourn. She were never tired o' talking o' yo'. She used to say yo' were the prettiest thing she ever clapped eyes on. She loved yo' dearly. Her last words were 'Give her my affectionate respects; and keep father fro' drink.'”
A few days ago, Bessy asked to be buried in something of yours. She always talked about you and said you were the prettiest person she ever saw. She loved you very much. Her final words were to send you her affectionate respects and to keep her father from drinking.
Mary conveys Bessy's dying wish and affection for Margaret, highlighting the deep bond between the two women across class lines.
“I will not be daunted from doing as I choose by the thought of her. I like to take this fruit to the poor mother, and it is simply right that I should. She shall never scorn me out of doing what I please.”
I won't let the thought of her stop me from doing what I want. I want to take this fruit to the poor mother, and it is the right thing to do. She will never shame me into abandoning my own choices.
Thornton resolves to act according to his own sense of right, defying Margaret's scorn and asserting his independence.