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. |
From inside the book
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... less fortunate to her husband, saying “she only followedJohn's simple recipe, for making his work— people feel that he was a friend as well as a master” (p. 307). Within the context ofVictorian culture, Ursula's success as a mother and ...
... less noticeable within the narrative: he no longer needs a wheelchair or needs to be carried and he. I R.H. Hutton, “Novels by the Authoress of'John Halifax,'” North British Review 29 (1858): 258. 2 Elaine Showalter, “Dinah Mulock Craik ...
... less justifiable, especially to modern read— ers, is his reaction to Lord Revenal's request to marry Maud. The refusal does not stem from the twenty—year age difference, but from religious differences. As Halifax tells Lord Revenal when ...
... less important, is the message conveyed about the positive role of the handicapped in society. Two major characters within the novel are handicapped, yet both characters are shown to be happy with their lives and to fulfill a role ...
... less wearily. To say that what I projected was done out of char— ity or pity, would not be true; it was simple selfishness, if that be self— ishness which makes one leap towards, and cling to, a possible strength and good, which I ...
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 |