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Library's collection Library's IT development CancelThis thesis is basically a study of binary oppositions
on Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South in which the
oppositions between the North and the South, and between
the masters and the men are evident. For the purpose of
the analysis, the writer explores the ideas shown and
exposed in those two binary oppositions deeply. Accomplishing
this analysis, the writer uses the theory of
binary opposition which includes conflict and contrast,
while setting is also used to support the analysis. Besides,
the use of characters both round characters, Margaret
and Thornton as well as the flat characters such as Mr
and Mrs, Hale, Dixon, Mrs. Thornton, Bessy and Higgins are
necessary to display the ideas in the oppositions.
In the oppositions between the North and the South,
the ideas found are both about the different appearances
of those places and the contrasting characteristics. The
contrast between the North and the South are concerned
with the differences in social value, life, manner, atti-tude
and taste between two societies which are coloured
with the conflict between Margaret and Thornton. Most of
the ideas are discovered through Margaret who is a South-ern
woman but compelled to move to the North and confront
those differences toward which she feels contempt.
Meanwhile, the oppositions between the masters and
the men found are about the conflict between the rich and
the poor. The masters as the rich think that they have a
wise conduct by which they reach success but they are
proved to be the oppressors over the men. The masters
supposed to be the parents over the men, have acted unwisely
and indifferently in contrast with the Trade Union
which acts as a wise parent who cares and fights for the
men's right. In this opposition, Thornton confronts
Higgins, each is the spokesman of each class. Margaret
functions as a. mediator between them who argues with both
classes to encourage a better relationship between them.
Undergoing these binary oppositions, both Margaret
and Thornton as the round characters are able to develop
both in their outlook and personality. Here, the use of
methods of characterization either telling or showing is
vital to show those developments. Margaret, who first ap-peared
prejudiced against Milton and probed weaknesses in
all its aspects, now becomes more mature and wiser. With
wiser perspective, Margaret looks at the North and the
South fairly and finally chooses to stay in Milton as a
suitable place for her as an active and dynamic woman to
perform her vocation as a social reformer. It is the same
with Thornton who changes from being tyrannical, irrespon-sible
and indifferent to being a responsible master who
recognizes his humanity and philanthropic feeling as he
makes a contact with his men encouraged by Margaret,