John Halifax, GentlemanThis 1856 novel, one of the most beloved of the Victorian period, follows the life, from childhood to death, of an orphaned boy who grows to become a wealthy and powerful leader in his community. The young John Halifax is taken in by Abel Fletcher, a Quaker tanner, and forms a close friendship with Fletcher’s son, Phineas. Through hard work and integrity, John overcomes obstacles to find domestic happiness and material success. His achievements symbolize those of England in the early nineteenth century, and this novel captures the ambition and ebullient optimism of the growing Victorian middle class. This Broadview edition includes a critical introduction and full annotation; the idea of the “gentleman” in Victorian culture, labour unrest in the early nineteenth century, and women’s roles in Victorian England are explored in the broad selection of contextual documents. |
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... head to look at it. “The rain will be over soon,”I said, but doubted if he heard me. What could he be thinking of so intentlyP—a poor working lad, whom few would have given credit for thinking at all. I do not suppose my father cast a ...
... heads visible there. The mayor's children—I knew them all by sight, though nothing more; for their father was a ... head came to the window, a some— what older child;I had met her with the rest; she was only a visitor. She looked at ...
... head and my two hands, out of which I hope to realize a large capital some day.” I laughed;Jael retired, abundantly mystified, and rather cross.J0hn Halifax came to my easy chair, and in an altered tone asked me how I felt, and if he ...
... head. “What would you do,John, if you were shut up here, and had to get over the yew hedge?You could not climb it?” “I know that, and therefore should not waste time in trying.” “Would you give up, then?” He smiled—there was no “giving ...
... head about such folk.” “If he asked again, might he come upstairs?” “No.” I was too weak to combat, and Jael was too strong an adversary; so I lay for days and days in my sick—room, often thinking, but never speaking, about the lad ...
Contents
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9 | |
25 | |
28 | |
29 | |
The Idea of the Gentleman in Victorian Culture | 499 |
Working Conditions and Labor Unrest in the Early Nineteenth Century | 509 |
Womens Roles in Victorian England | 525 |
Reviews | 537 |
Religious Issues | 553 |
Fictional Conterpoints | 566 |
Table of Dates of Relevant Events and Legislation | 579 |
Select Bibliography | 580 |