Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell (1853)
The novel revolves around Ruth Hilton, a young orphan who becomes a seamstress and is seduced by a wealthy gentleman named Bellingham. After becoming pregnant, she is abandoned by him and left to fend for herself. A kind-hearted minister named Thurstan Benson takes her in and helps her to redeem herself.
By Elizabeth Gaskell · First published 1853 · Genre: Social novel, Romance, Drama · 36 chapters
Contents
- The Dressmaker's Apprentice at Work
- Ruth Goes to the Shire-Hall
- Sunday at Mrs Mason's
- Treading in Perilous Places
- In North Wales
- Troubles Gather About Ruth
- The Crisis - Watching and Waiting
- Mrs Bellingham "Does the Thing Handsomely"
- The Storm-Spirit Subdued
- A Note and the Answer
- Thurstan and Faith Benson
- Losing Sight of the Welsh Mountains
- The Dissenting Minister's Household
- Ruth's First Sunday at Eccleston
- Mother and Child
- Sally Tells of Her Sweethearts, and Discourses on the Duties of Life
- Leonard's Christening
- Ruth Becomes a Governess in Mr Bradshaw's Family
- After Five Years
- Jemima Refuses to Be Managed
- Mr Farquhar's Attentions Transferred
- The Liberal Candidate and His Precursor
- Recognition
- The Meeting on the Sands
- Jemima Makes a Discovery
- Mr Bradshaw's Virtuous Indignation
- Preparing to Stand on the Truth
- An Understanding Between Lovers
- Sally Takes Her Money Out of the Bank
- The Forged Deed
- An Accident to the Dover Coach
- The Bradshaw Pew Again Occupied
- A Mother to Be Proud Of
- "I Must Go and Nurse Mr Bellingham"
- Out of Darkness into Light
- The End
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