North and South · Chapter
Union Not Always Strength explained
Margaret and Mr.
What happens
Margaret and Mr. Hale visit Nicholas Higgins, who is out of work due to his refusal to pledge not to support the Union. The conversation explores the tyranny of the Union and the consequences of Boucher's actions. Later, they learn of Boucher's suicide, and Margaret comforts his widow and children.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Industrial Conflict
The chapter explores the tension between workers and mill owners through Higgins's refusal to pledge against the Union, and the tragic outcome of Boucher's actions during the strike.
Moral Integrity and Redemption
Higgins's steadfast refusal to forswear his principles despite losing work highlights moral integrity, while Boucher's fate raises questions about redemption and the cost of defiance.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Hale
Visits Higgins with her father, engages in deep conversation about labor and union, and later comforts Mrs. Boucher after her husband's suicide.
- Mr. Hale
Accompanies Margaret to visit Higgins and attempts to offer help, but is rebuffed by Higgins's pride.
- Nicholas Higgins
Out of work due to his refusal to pledge against supporting the Union; defends the Union's role while acknowledging its coercive nature.
- John Boucher
Mentioned as having been a fool and a rioter; his suicide is discovered, and his family is left destitute.
- Mrs. Boucher
Grieves the death of her husband, who has drowned; Margaret helps comfort her and her children.
Key passages
“I'm out o' work because I ne'er asked for it. And I ne'er asked for it, because good words is scarce, and bad words is plentiful.”
Higgins explains he is unemployed because he refuses to ask for work, as asking would invite harsh refusals.
Higgins's pride and bitterness about the labor situation.
“We can't clap folk into prison; but we can make a man's life so heavy to be borne, that he's obliged to come in, and be wise and helpful in spite of himsel'.”
Higgins admits the Union uses social pressure to force reluctant workers to join, comparing it to government restraint.
Higgins's justification of the Union's coercive tactics.
“He loved this babby mappen the best on us; but he loved me and I loved him, though I was calling him five minutes agone.”
Mrs. Boucher mourns her husband, acknowledging she had been angry with him shortly before his death.
The widow's grief and regret after Boucher's suicide.