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Start discussion here for Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell.


Summary (from americanliterature.com)

Originally serialized in 1851, Cranford, appeared in Charles Dickens' literary magazine Household Words. It was published in book from in 1853 and is probably Glaskell's most popular novel. The title refers to the town of Cranford where Mary Smith lives in friendship with her friends Miss Matty and Miss Deborah who are sisters. The story line takes form and develops when their long-lost brother returns to the town of Cranford.


Discussion Question (from Classics Reading Group)

1. Cranford begins by declaring that the town is populated by “Amazons.� What are “Amazons�? From the characters you meet in the novel, do you agree that they are Amazons? Why or why not?

2. In chapter one, the narrator (later named Mary Smith), describes the society of Cranford. What is her attitude towards the traditions in the society? Does she approve or not? What are your thoughts about the society? How does it compare to the society you may have read about in other Victorian novels?

3. In chapters one and two, Gaskell introduces two very memorable characters: Captain Brown and Miss Jenkyns (Deborah). Both of these characters die rather soon thereafter. Why did Gaskell take such pains to introduce them to the Cranford setting? What role, if any, do they play later in the novel?

4. Dr. Johnson versus The Pickwick Papers: What role does literature play in the novel? Consider the old bachelor’s library, Miss Matty’s father’s library, and the prevalence (or not) of reading in general. What do you think the narrator’s opinions on the matter are?

5. Cranford is a town with few wealthy men, but plenty of lower-class men, thus providing tension among the maids of the town. Discuss the appearance of “followers� in the novel. How is Miss Matty’s opinion changed toward her maid’s relationships? What role do the few men that appear in the novel have?

6. In chapter four, Miss Matty, Miss Smith, and Miss Pole visit with an old bachelor. What differences between Cranford society and Mr. Holbrook’s traditions do they observe? How does this visit change Miss Matty? In what ways is Mr Holbrook a “Don Quixote�?

7. Mary Smith’s treasure is string and rubber bands. Miss Matty treasured candles. What is your petty treasure?

8. After Miss (Deborah) Jenkyn’s death, Miss Matty determines to burn the old family letters. Why? What does this symbolize? How does Miss Smith’s assistance with this help Miss Matty?

9. Miss Matty repeatedly calls her brother “Poor Peter.� What do you think of Peter’s antics? Do you feel sorry for him? What personality traits endeared him to Miss Matty and the others?

10. In chapter 7, Miss Betty Barker hosts a tea for a select few of the ladies in Cranford society. What further details do we learn about Cranford society from this meeting? Consider Mrs Fitz-Adam without an invitation, Mrs Jamieson’s nap, and Miss Betty Barker’s methods of serving tea.

11. Ms. Gaskell provides some observations about class with the visit of Lady Glenmire. How does her visit affect the daily life in Cranford? What is surprising about her when she arrives? Consider Miss Smith’s observations. What do you think is her opinion of the situation?

12. Signor Brunoni’s magical act causes a stir among the Cranford ladies, even though they wonder at the propriety of the act. From my perspective, it seemed that the ladies were constantly “putting on an act� in trying to meet the communities expectations for their social class. In what ways does he change the community? Consider his real name and identity. How does the character of Signor Brunoni and his story relate to the overall themes of the novel?

13. How does superstition play a role in “The Panic�? How do the women of Cranford make the situation worse?

14. Miss Matty’s father had encouraged her to make lists for the day, with two columns: one for “what I plan to accomplish� and one for “what I did accomplish.� She says her life was not what she intended. Which other characters say the same? Is there any resolution to Miss Matty’s dreams? How does this comment relate to the themes of the novel as a whole?

15. In what ways does coincidence play a role in the plot of Cranford?

16. What do we know about Miss Smith? Why is she in Cranford? What is her home life like? Do you like Miss Smith? She claims her fault is “indiscretion.� What do you think of her faults and/or her strengths?

17. Why is Lady Glenmire’s upcoming marriage such a scandal for the Cranford community? How is it eventually resolved?

18. In Chapters 13 and 14, Miss Matty’s fortunes are reversed. In what ways does Cranford society abandon its own traditions when she has needs? Consider Miss Matty’s friends, Martha, and the rector.

19. Did you like the resolution/the ending to the novel? How has Cranford society changed once again? How does society come full circle in the end?

20. Did you like the novel? Why or why not?

I'm going to start reading it today :-)
I didn't like North and South so much (the only other book by Elizabeth Gaskell I've read) but this one I find intriguing... I will let you know my impressions.

I've just finished reading Cranford. I must say I liked it better than North and South, and I have to thank the group for giving me the opportunity to read this nice book - in fact, the two reasons I decided to read it are because it was this month's group read and because it is in the 1001 books list.

I have to say Elizabeth Gaskell was a good writer, and I think this cannot be denied whether you like or not her books. Which is a good plus, because I like well written books, and it paid off for the boredom - because, let's say it, this book IS a bit boring.

It is a gossipy, chatty book, but it's also a witty one, which made me like it. It also made me laugh (or smile) from time to time. And I really liked the ending, where we are shown the true value of friendship.

So, all in all, I gave it 3 stars. Which means it's a good book without being REALLY good. I guess Gaskell will never be one of my favorite authors, but this book was enjoyable and I'm glad I read it.

I read this one a while ago, and I barely made it through the first 5 chapters, they were so slow. But then, I started to enjoyed it, and then to absolutely love it. Yes, is the story of a town full of women and the gossip of their not-so-full-of-events life; but this book is all heart, about friendship and loyalty and tender moments of a life that goes by. I was so glad I pass those first 5 chapters, it was so worthy.

I love Cranford. The real village it is based on is Knutsford which isn't far from where I grew up. There's something about reading and learning about how a place used to be in the past that fascinates me. Mrs. Gaskell is so good at character and depicting people in their setting. She makes life over a hundred years ago really come alive. I think that's why I love her. Sadly the village isn't anything like that now....it elected George Osbourne-says it all!

I admit I had a bit of a struggle jumping wholeheartedly into the world of the book in the first chapter, but once I got the lay of the land and understood Elizabeth Gaskell's provincial Cranford a bit better, I really enjoyed it. I believe it was the idea of a town with no men and all women that I had trouble getting used to at first. It seemed so unlikely, and not the usual small English village scenario.
In a way, this book reminded me of Alexander McCall Smith's series set in Botswana. I know- Botswana is a world away and so different from England- but the characters and their belief in the good in human nature and the way the main characters sometimes manipulated others to bring out that good side linked both books in my mind. I enjoyed Miss Pole a lot. She reminded me a bit of Mma Makutsi in the McCall Smith books.
Considering this book was written in the mid 1800s, it must have been somewhat controversial in author's treatment of class boundaries and the way she allowed and encouraged her characters to cross those boundaries.

Yes. I think she was very controversial in her time. Its difficult now to look back and understand how powerful an influence these novels would have been and how much they contributed to changing people's perceptions towards the working classes. I suppose the 19th century novel was the equivalent of the internet today. A brilliant writer whose legacies still reverberate!

I read this back in January and enjoyed it as well. It does start slow, but sticking with it is worth it. The subtle humor is nice. The cat eating the lace and the lady sewing pajamas for the cow were pretty funny. And it was interesting to me the inordinate amount of attention that all the ladies in town seemed to pay attention to the caps or headwear that everyone wore.

I loved Miss Matty and I enjoyed how everyone in Cranford looked out for her when she lost all her money.

Yes, it starts slow, but I found myself drawn into the story and smiling at the various antics of the townspeople, and even tearing up with the quiet help for poor Matty! It's a town of gossipy, pompous ladies, who really do have good hearts when they want to. It's both sweet and funny/witty. I enjoyed N&S also, but this was kind of a fun short read in comparison.

I have just started reading this with another group and I seem to be enjoying it more than the other members. I am glad I found this discussion. The book is witty and needs to be carefully read to get all the fun comments.

I enjoyed it, Rosemarie... it's slow to start, but the stories and adventures are entertaining, sometimes funny, sometimes sweet. I hope you like it!

I hope I do too, thanks.

Rosemarie, there are some rather amusing parts in the book. I loved the ladies fixation with their hats. I hope you enjoy it as well.

I finished the book a little while ago and really enjoyed it. It was a very gentle book, and I am so glad that it ended the way it did.
The fixation with the hats was funny. I am definitely going to read more books by that author.