Elizabeth Gaskell's Smaller Stories

This book re-locates Elizabeth Gaskells 'smaller stories in the literary and cultural context of the nineteenth century, re-claiming them as an indispensable part of her literary output and challenging cultural and gendered constructs. Her prose is less likely to elide the sharp corners of domestic violence, the disabling experiences of women, the pain of death and loss, and the complications of family life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the literary and cultural backdrop of the 19th century, shedding light on Elizabeth Gaskell's lesser-known short stories. Despite her esteemed status as a prominent novelist, Gaskell's short tales have yet to receive the critical acclaim they merit. This study reclaims these stories as an integral component of her literary oeuvre, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding and evaluating her remarkable achievements as a skilled woman of letters. The periodicals in which Gaskell's shorter works were published offer a captivating glimpse into 19th-century society, and she skillfully exploited this medium to deliver a persistent and incisive critique of cultural and gendered notions of roles and social behavior. While her prose remains effortlessly readable in her short stories, it is less likely to overlook the harsh realities of domestic violence, the debilitating experiences of women, the profound pain of death and loss, and the intricate complexities of family life. Through this comprehensive exploration, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for Gaskell's literary prowess and her ability to capture the essence of 19th-century society with her vivid and poignant storytelling.

Weight: 283g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030797072
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021