From the first pages of the novel, Gaskell establishes the importance of the social norms and traditions that guide the community of Hollingford. How is social status introduced and reinforced in the first two parts of the novel?
My edition of the novel indicates the chapters as well as the original publication parts. I am trying to have us read the parts as closely as possible to the orginal when it began publication in August of 1864. Chapters 1-3 are part 1 and chapters 4-6 are part 2. Typically parts 1 and two were published together.
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Lord and Lady Cumnor, who were Hollingsfords most elite family, set the tone of social status in a very “in your face” type of attitude. A definite reminder of social status set by the Cumnor family, was to have the townspeople feed, doctor and cloth them. A brazen reminder of who were the ‘most’ important. Also, Lord and Lady Cumnor reinforced their status by expecting the townspeople to worship, obey, submit, and generally agree with them. If they weren’t given the respect they felt was a given right, “they would have stood in amazement, and with a horrid memory of the French sansculottes.” (7)
Gaskell paints an extravagant picture of the Cumnor Towers, the place that houses the elite of Hollingford. Little details such as the name of chapter two—A Novice Amongst the Great Folk—establishes the traditional and hierarchal social status that exists in the novel. When “silence fell upon the carriage-full of ladies,” one can almost feel the magical and heavenly atmosphere that is felt at the Towers (27). The structure and way of life inside is far from that of what people like the Gibsons or the Brownings practice. Gaskell makes it apparent that class in society will be a prevalent theme throughout. However, I feel that Molly’s sudden illness during her first visit foreshadows how she feels towards the issue and how she will treat it. When she was left behind, thoughts of loneliness were evident, and she made it seem as if she was in hell rather than a magnificent manor. Many clichés came to mind, but the one that I think most closely resembles Molly is: home is where the heart is. With the Cumnors and the Hamleys and the rest of Hollingford, Gaskell creates structure and conformity in social status.
In response to Martin’s comment…
You make an excellent point about Molly becoming ill while in the presence of such grandness. From my understanding, you point out that, although this was a time of the year for the townspeople to feel honored and special, Molly really had a very good understanding of the condescending nature of the elite’s attitude towards the common townspeople. Solidifying your point when Molly’s father comes to pick her up, she begins to feel much better knowing that she would be going home and not spending the night in Cumnor Towers. I imagine being surrounded by so much pretentiousness and ostentatiousness will make one ill; and after Molly was (rescued) away from that type of attitude—I can understand why she began to feel better. I even felt a sense of relaxation when her father arrived. (LoL) Home really is where the heart is.
Social status is obviously a very important element throughout "Wives and Daughters." It is introduced immediately in the opening of chapter one by the description of the town of Hollingford; cottages on one side and, on the other, "the entrance-lodge of a great park, where lived my Lord and Lady Cumnor; 'the earl' and 'the countess'" (6). The social status is reinforced throughout the rest of the novel, especially when Molly Gibson reflects on her encounter with the earl and his invitation for her to attend the annual festival at his home, where only a select few were welcome. The differences in social class can also be seen by the actions of the multiple characters during the festival itself.
Social status is a vital element in Wives and Daughters, for without this recurring theme, there would be no story. Social status is introduced from the first page and plays a major role throughout. One major example that shows how social status influences everything is the initial event, which is the Cumnor's open house, which is seen as a "kind of annual festival"(6) People look forward to seeing this beautiful mansion. It is a treat to the regular folk in Hollingford, but it appears to be a burden to Lady Cumnor. She is worn out by the "festivities" and cannot wait for it to be over. Entertaining those beneath her family is obviously not her idea of a good time. Another way that social status is reinforced is how the more fortunate families are known as squires, lords, ladies, and countesses. They are higher up in society, and because of this they are known by names that are associated with royalty.
Social status is exemplified in all aspects of life in both books we’re reading, and was an integral part of life for people of this era. In this Victorian society the belief in “the great chain of being” - a rigid religious doctrine that forbids anyone to go beyond their lot in life - reinforced social structures of the time. This narrative is a direct reflection of the period in history where such a social mindset prevailed as reflected in the behaviors of the upper class, as well as those underneath. The well-to-do society is putt off by the lower class, suffering their company only as a means to an end (through some sort of servitude) or lording their wealth over the lower class. The commoners, however, are just as eager to be exploited as the wealthy are to exploit them. Annually, they eagerly wait in line to be paraded through the Cumnor towers to see all the elegant extravagates that they’ll never be able to obtain. The ever-present theme of social status is revealed through this sort of sadomasochistic relationship among the classes of people in Hollingford.
By the end of chapter 1 the importance of social status is evident. Quickly the description of the town is overshadowed by the description of the Cumnors and the Towers. “They expected to be submitted to…[it] was accepted by the earl and countess as a right” 7. Everyone and everything revolves around this family in this town whether they want to or not. The townspeople all want to go to the festival and dress in their finest. Girls are brought to the Cumnors “school” to be groomed by the rich family. People even stand in amazement at the carriage going by. Gaskell makes it seem like they are a dog salivating for a bone. So obviously social standing and class is HUGE in this story and in this time.
Early in this story it becomes obvious that social status will play a vital role in the lives of its characters. Gaskell draws a very clear line between the social classes as the wealthy are perceived as royalty with whom the poor are awestruck. Gaskell expands on the gap between the classes by explaining how they view one another. The Cumnors are very much aware of their stature and expect to be treated accordingly. On the other hand, the lower class families desire the chance to simply be acquainted with wealthy families such as the Cumnors.
Apparently, social status (or the lack thereof) was very important to Gaskell as she lays out the framework on the very first page. She introduces status in a very satirical method, which leads me to believe that perhaps she thinks high status isn’t worth achieving: “In a country there was a shire, and in the shire there was a town, and in that town there was a house, and in that house…” and so on, and so on (Gaskell 5). This play on phrases sets the tone for the rest of part 1 and 2 meaning, above all are the Lord and Lady Cumnor at the towers (the shire) and the rest are common folk of Hollingford (the town). However, there is this one house set apart from the rest of Hollingford—the Gibson residence. One can interpret that besides the Towers, the Gibson house is of significance because of its focus throughout the first two parts.
I think Gaskell reinforces her bitter attitude towards the elite when Molly frets at being left behind. From Molly’s own description, the Towers are grand with elaborate gardening and rooms. Its occupants looked, spoke, and even ate differently from their yearly visitors. Personally speaking, if the Towers were of such high standard, I am not sure that I would want to return to the mundaneness of Hollingford. Nevertheless, Molly is terribly upset at the thought of staying just one night at the Towers and becomes thrilled when her father arrives to take her home. Molly’s nostalgia is perfectly understandable. She loves her father and she loves her way of life. She knows nothing other than what her father teaches her and seems rightfully content.
Another reinforcement of social status came as a hard punch when Lady Cumnor no longer felt-up to hosting her party and rushes all of the visitors away only to later host people of her social standings. This crude behavior indicates the elites’ disregard for people of a lower class. There are many other reinforced confrontations to point out, but that will be left for another time. However, I do wonder if I am right about Gaskell’s feelings of social status and if she will reveal herself as the book continues.
In response to Chuck, again...
I cannot help but make a response to your post. I see exactly where you are coming from, and yet you put everything in such a depressing light...
My favorite part of your post is where you said, "The commoners, however, are just as eager to be exploited as the wealthy are to exploit them." (ah the powers of copy and paste...)
All in all, if the commoners don't mind being exploited, then where's the harm? Although admiring something that is unattainable is not exactly my idea of fun...assuming I would be a commoner, that is.
In response to Claudia's comment...
I agree with how you say that social status is introduced at the beginning of the book. I think it is interesting that you pointed out that Lady Cumnor felt that "entertaining those beneath her family is obviously not her idea of a good time" and it is a burden to her. After attending the festival, Molly Gibson, was the only townsperson who realized that the event was a means of keeping the social classes separate. She did not feel comfortable at the festival nor did she have a good time. It's funny that Lady Cumnor and Molly Gibson, from totally opposite social standings, can have some of the same feelings about the event. I think that this only strengthens the separation of the classes.
In response to jm15 and the part where you say: “On the other hand, the lower class families desire the chance to simply be acquainted with wealthy families such as the Cumnors.”
I think it’s only human to long for the chance to experience the lush world if you’re far from it. Although Molly’s maturation comes far before many of the other girls, I think the feeling of power and prestige affected her just as much; she just took it for what it was and knew it wasn’t for her. The story has a fairytale beginning: “In a country there was a shire, and in that shire there was a town, and in that town there was a house….” I think the vital role that you claim social status will play in the novel has to do with the Victorian age shift. Royalty, represented by the Hamleys and the Cumnors, symbolize the past while the rest of the village might be considered the future. But then again you can make an argument that the Hamleys represent the former and the Cumnors, the latter. I’ll leave that for someone else ; )
In response to Chuck,
“Sadomasochistic,” what a mouthful and to a certain degree, I do agree. The commoners of Hollingfield endure such pain to receive the pleasure of viewing the Towers—people stacked in the carriage, their fancy and elaborate clothes, not to mention the high-heeled shoes. And on the reciprocating end, the people at the Towers took great pleasure in showing off their elaborate quarters to the annual visitors while loathing behind their backs. However, I do believe that the event was more gratifying to Lord Cumnor’s ego than Lady Cumnor’s disgust.
Social standing is the main point of importance in this novel. The plot and theme are built around the social standing of all the residents whose status lies beneath the Cumnors on one side of town, and the Hamleys on the other. The biggest difference between the two "elite" families is that one family, the Hamleys, have a rich, old history. However, the Cumnors, are new, rich residents who snobs that desire the utmost reverence from the townspeople.
Gaskell makes it a point to place the two rich families on opposite sides of town with the common townfolk in the middle. I thought that was interesting considering the fact that one is an old family and the other is relatively new. This shows a clash of values and principles within the social atmosphere of the townfolk. The respect and tribute that is paid to the Cumnors is like that of a taskmaster or one who owns servants. The Hamleys are respected but in a working class way. That has largely to do with the way the treat the townfolk and not just the townfolk perception of the Hamleys. The Hamleys, although wealthy, are everyday people. The Cumnors are stuck up, but they really want the townsfolk to realize, more than anything, that they are not socially equal. For example, there is lot of pomp that goes into the annual festival of the school and women feel "priviledged" to ride in the carriage and view the Cumnor home. Even though Mr. Gibson is a doctor, he is still considered ordinary by Lady Cumnor. If it were not for his profession, he wouldn't be invited to their home as frequently as he is.
THe Status of a person was a very significant part of life at this time. Social status was introduced just by explaining about the more elite landowners of the town. It was reinforced in the beginning by Molly always having to dress up and be respectable when visiting them and also by establishing the fact that she herself and her father did not have the luxuries that Molly encountered when she stayed with the Cumners. Even though Molly's father was a doctor and had the respect of the townspeople, he was not considered part of the elite but given opportunities to mingle with them.
In response to Sailorgirl,
The tone was set when Gaskell introduced the elite families of the town,and then being able to remind us on who was important. It all comes down to property and wealth, sometimes our society today mirrors the past.
In response to cicelyj, I also find it interesting the way the social makeup of the town is portrayed. The wealthy families are viewed as the elite members of the community although they achieved their wealth in different ways. They have different perspectives of their status as well as where they fit in among the people of the town. The Cumnors will allow people such as Mr. Gibson to interact with them since he is capable of providing a service.
The power of the social class, or at least its idea is shown during the first chapter of the novel when speaking of the Cumnors. They are said to have done “a good deal for the town and were generally condescending, and often thoughtful and kind (7)”. The family knew that they were above everybody else, having prestige not only because of their wealth, but also because they had earned it through respect without money. Though, in chapter three, their position is clearly stated again: “The Cumnors were at the top of the social ladder (31).” A second instance is when Molly was lost and was taken to the Towers after being lost, she began to realize more than ever, that she did have a place in society. Her place was like a servant when inside the Towers. The narrator gives us a clue inside her perception: “Molly said nothing, as became her age and position (15).”
Mr. Gibson was looking for a tutor for Molly, and upon settling for Miss Eyre, his instructions to Miss Eyre were for Molly to keep her innocence. After all, “we must not yield to the prejudices of society (34).
We are told more about the Cumnors, that the eldest son always invited all sorts of people. ‘all sorts of people’ is redefined in the next sentence, meaning “really those who were distinguished for science and learning (37).” In chapter 6, when Mrs. Hamley is speaking with Molly, she wishes to call her by her Christian name. She gives the impression that the natural name is inherently the ‘Christian name’ and is used in informal settings. Is the idea of being a Christian reduced to one setting over the social-structured-predominant society? It seems like in public, as told by the narrator, that a face is put on that begs of acceptance into the ‘higher class.’
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