Ruth (ePub)

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, née Stevenson (1810-1865), was a distinguished Victorian novelist and short story writer known for her vivid portrayal of society and keen observation of Victorian life. Born in London and raised in Cheshire, Gaskell was schooled in the classics and developed an early fascination with literature. She married Rev. William Gaskell and settled in Manchester, a city whose industrial milieu significantly influenced her writings. Gaskell's first novel, 'Mary Barton' (1848), exposes the harsh realities of working-class life and the plight of the industrial poor, establishing her as a critical voice of social reform. 'Ruth' (1853), the referenced work, is an unconventional narrative about a 'fallen woman,' criticizing the moral rigidity and lack of sympathy of the period, and exemplifying Gaskell's humanistic approach and compassionate storytelling. Her other notable works include 'North and South' (1855) and 'Cranford' (1853), the latter celebrating the resilience of a community of middle-class women. Gaskell's literary style often intertwines meticulous social examination with spirited dialogue and multifaceted characters, which won her recognition amongst peers like Charles Dickens and Charlotte Brontë. She also penned the first biography of Brontë, 'The Life of Charlotte Brontë' (1857), evidencing her biographical prowess and depth of insight into the human condition. Gaskell's contribution to English literature is encapsulated in her probing of Victorian society, thoughtfully challenging conventions, class disparities, gender roles, and the inequity of her era.