In some cases it is not possible and they should not be despised for that. This argument was put forth in this form to be refuted later with the idea that some men are not able to succeed. The argument is that any man can raise himself to prosperity if he works hard enough. It also, however, demonstrates a belief about the benefits of a capitalist society. It does define Thornton as a character, and it helps to demonstrate his growth and justify some of his actions and beliefs. It has a clear moral of hard work, perseverance, and frugality.
The story of how Thornton became successful is almost a fable. Thornton is also representative of the idea that in a capitalist society, a man can raise himself above the station in which he is born or placed by circumstance, through hard work. Later, he sets up a meal hall for his employees to benefit them, but also his business. Some examples of this include his installation of the fan in his mill to enable his workers to work longer and more effectively. He understands that he employs a great many workers and that their livelihoods depend on his prosperity as well. He feels that it is necessary for the good of all to be concerned with running a business efficiently and effectively. Thornton is often heard saying that he supports the free market and that because of his business, he does a lot of good for society. This demonstrates the polarity between the capitalist North and the aristocratic South. Margaret, in contrast, feels that money is somewhat vulgar and that power, prestige, and place in society are inherited or bred. Thornton represents the ideas that money is power, prestige, and a place in society. Necessarily, he and Margaret often disagree with each other. He is representative of the mill owners of the town and is often their voice of argument in the discussions that occur between the characters. He is described as influential and wealthy and a good man to know in Milton. The first time we hear of Thornton in the story, we hear of him as a capitalist.
She shows his multi-faceted traits and writes a clear progression of personal improvement and growth for the character. To demonstrate this, Gaskell must make Thornton grow from something similar to the norm of industrialists in her time into something better. Elizabeth Gaskell uses him, as well as Margaret, to show the way an industrial society can work for the benefit of all. Furthermore, his character represents that of the industrialist in England. He is very important to the novel for what he represents and for the ideas he expresses serving as an example of a self-made man, and as a foil to Margaret’s view of the problems in the North of England. Perhaps most interestingly, he shows a great deal of personal and ideological growth in the novel. John Thornton is a fascinating character.
0 kommentar(er)
