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Online Talk: The Fallen Woman – Sex and Sin in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Ruth

Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel Ruth was banned and burned for its portrayal of a young woman who had sex before marriage. The story instantly became a ‘prohibited book’, even within her own home.

For modern readers, there is no explicit sex in the book so it may be hard to understand the outraged response. What made Ruth such a dangerous book?

Join Elizabeth Williams as she reveals the truth about Victorian attitudes to female sexuality and their impact on real women’s lives. Discover what drove Elizabeth Gaskell to write such a novel from her real life experiences. Plus you can find references to contemporary life and fiction from Charles Dickens and George Eliot to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. There is even a little Jane Austen. Perfect for finding out more about the ‘Fallen Woman’ within Victorian life and literature.

Part of Ruth Season.

‘Elizabeth conveyed her intimate knowledge of Gaskell’s life and works lightly and easily. I learnt a lot, quickly and effortlessly.’ Visitor to previous event

Tickets £6

Wednesday 7 May, 7-8pm

**Refer to your e-ticket for zoom joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.**

You can also support the House by buying Ruth from our online shop via this link.

If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606) and all money gained through private tours, talks, room hire and ticket sales goes towards the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. If you would like to support the House with an additional donation you can do so via this link.

Gift £10 to Celebrate 10 years.

Keeping Elizabeth Gaskell’s House open to the public remains a real financial challenge. Our incredible team needs your help and support to continue the story long into the future. During our anniversary year we are asking our supporters to give £10 to support the House during our anniversary year and to help us raise £10,000. You can make a donation via JustGiving.