Over the Way by Elizabeth Gaskell
The novel revolves around the lives of two families, the Wilkinses and the Carrs, residing in a fictional town in northern England during the mid-19th century. The story explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and personal relationships. The protagonist, Caroline Helstone, is a young, intelligent, and sensitive woman who becomes embroiled in a complicated web of relationships between the two families. Her uncle, Mr. Helstone, is a wealthy, strict, and conservative clergyman who has raised Caroline since childhood. As the narrative unfolds, Caroline develops romantic feelings for a young man named Stephen Guest, who belongs to the lower-middle-class Carr family. However, their social differences and familial obligations hinder their potential union. Meanwhile, Caroline's cousin, Hester, becomes infatuated with Stephen, further complicating the situation. Throughout the novel, the characters navigate their emotions, confront societal expectations, and struggle with personal desires, ultimately leading to a poignant conclusion that highlights the complexities of human relationships and the constraints imposed by social class.
By Elizabeth Gaskell · First published 1847 · Genre: Fiction, Social Commentary, Victorian Literature · 5,944 words
First lines
I had been living at Tunbridge Wells and nowhere else, going on for ten years, when my medical man-very clever in his profession, and the prettiest player I ever saw in my life of a hand at Long Whist, which was a noble and a princely game before Short was heard of-said to me, one day, as he sat feeling my pulse on the actual sofa which my poor dear sister Jane worked before her spine came on, and laid her on a board for fifteen months at a stretch-the most upright woman that ever lived-said to me, "What we want, ma'am, is a fillip."
What this Textopian page supports
Over the Way is listed on Textopian as a novella by Elizabeth Gaskell, dated 1847 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
- Date: 1847 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Social Commentary, Victorian Literature, Domestic Fiction, Realism
- Length: 5,944 words
- Structure: 1 section, 112 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Over the Way by Elizabeth Gaskell
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of narrative prose that tells a story.
- Social Commentary — The book explores social issues and critiques societal norms.
- Victorian Literature — The book is set in the Victorian era and reflects the characteristics of that period.
- Domestic Fiction — The book focuses on home and family life.
Tags
Victorian Era · Social Class · Romance · Family Drama · Marriage · Love Triangle · Tragedy · Death · Grief · Mourning · Religion · Christianity