The Gaskell Society

Celebrating the life and work of Elizabeth Gaskell

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Knutsford Meeting – October 2022

Tuesday 25 October, 2022, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm BST

£5 – £6

It’s a new season and a new novel!

Our discussion series for 2022-23 will look at Wives and Daughters. First published in serial form in the Cornhill Magazine, between August 1864 and January 1866, Wives and Daughters was unfinished when Elizabeth died suddenly in 1865. This is many people’s favourite Gaskell novel, which perhaps shows how her writing was getting better and better. We can only wonder at what she might have gone on to accomplish.

Seventeen-year-old Molly Gibson worships her widowed father. But when he decides to remarry, Molly’s life is thrown off course by the arrival of her vain, shallow and selfish stepmother. There is some solace in the shape of her new stepsister Cynthia, who is beautiful, sophisticated and irresistible to every man she meets. Soon the girls become close, and Molly finds herself cajoled into becoming a go-between in Cynthia’s love affairs. But in doing so, Molly risks ruining her reputation in the gossiping village of Hollingford – and jeopardising everything with the man she is secretly in love with.

In this first session, Dr Diane Duffy will lead a discussion on chapters 1-10 inclusive.  Download her Points to Ponder, which will form the basis of the discussion.

You can also read a selection of quotes, hand-picked by Dr Duffy, from these chapters.

Our monthly meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, between October and April (except December). Bring your own packed lunch from 1pm and then enjoy a friendly and informal talk and discussion, led by Dr Diane Duffy, 2-3pm.

Everyone is most welcome. £5 members, £6 non-members

Details

Date:
Tuesday 25 October, 2022
Time:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm BST
Cost:
£5 – £6
Event Categories:
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Venue

Brook Street Chapel
Adam's Hill,
Knutsford, WA16 8DY United Kingdom
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