Ruth

"Ruth" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a novel written during the mid-19th century. The narrative centers around Ruth Hilton, a young dressmaker's apprentice, exploring themes of innocence, societal expectations, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. As the story unfolds, it delves into Ruth’s poignant relationships and her journey through hardship and self-discovery. The opening of the novel introduces us to Ruth Hilton and her life as an apprentice in a bustling dressmaking establishment. It highlights the oppressive work conditions and the camaraderie among the young women, showcasing their weariness and dreams. We encounter Ruth's longing for the beauty of nature, contrasted with her dreary surroundings, and witness her melancholy memories of home. As Ruth interacts with her companions, we learn of her compassionate nature, particularly when she exhibits a deep concern for a young boy's well-being after he nearly drowns. This incident leads to a significant encounter with Mr. Bellingham, who represents a world of privilege and potential connection for Ruth, setting the stage for the intertwining of their lives amid the societal constraints they navigate. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, often referred to as Mrs Gaskell, was an English novelist, biographer, and short story writer. Her novels offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of Victorian society, including the very poor. Her first novel, Mary Barton, was published in 1848. Gaskell's The Life of Charlotte Brontë, published in 1857, was the first biography of Charlotte Brontë. In this biography, she wrote only of the moral, sophisticated things in Brontë's life; the rest she omitted, deciding certain, more salacious aspects were better kept hidden. Among Gaskell's best known novels are Cranford (1851–1853), North and South (1854–1855), and Wives and Daughters (1864–1866), all of which were adapted for television by the BBC.