The Gaskell Society

Celebrating the life and work of Elizabeth Gaskell

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Knutsford Meeting – Ruth IV

Tuesday 22 February, 2022, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm GMT

£5 – £6

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.

Our October, November, January and February sessions will be an exploration of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, Ruth.

First published in three volumes in 1853, Ruth is the story of the unmarried seamstress who has to raise an illegitimate child and make her own way in a cruel and judgmental world. Gaskell’s compassionate portrayal of the “fallen woman” – as well as making such a woman her novel’s heroine – was highly controversial in its day. Gaskell said that Ruth was a “prohibited book” in her own household, that friends expressed “deep regret” at its publication. Some reviewers complained that Gaskell painted Ruth as too passive a victim of Bellingham’s advances, eluding the question of Ruth’s own sexual feelings. 

As you can imagine, there’s lots to talk about! This fourth session will cover chapters 27-36 in February.

Everyone is most welcome.

£5 members, £6 non-members

Read Diane’s Points to Ponder for the discussion.


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Details

Date:
Tuesday 22 February, 2022
Time:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm GMT
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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