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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... heard a curse onJohn Halifax's lips but once—that once. Lord Luxmore heard it too. The image of the frantic father, snatching up his darling from under the horse's heels, must have haunted the Earls's good memory for many a day” 342 ...
... 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 single glance or thought on the boy, whom from a sense of commonjustice he ...
... heard my father's words, the color rushed over his face, and he started forward involuntarily. I had not before perceived how wasted and hungry—looking he was. “Father?” I whispered. But here the boy had mustered up his courage and ...
... heard loud words across the narrow street. “I will—I say I will.” “You shan't, Miss Ursula.” “But I will!” And there stood the little girl, with a loaf in one hand, and carving knife in the other. She succeeded in cutting offa large ...
... Saxon terms “well—favored,” was certainly “well—liking.” A beggar boy, indeed! I hope he had not heard Jael's remark. But he had. I I Samuel 18:1. “Madam,” said he, with a bow of perfect good humor,. JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.
Contents
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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 |