Online Course: A Man’s World – Lovers – John Thornton and Mr Rochester
What do Victorian novelists have to say about men as fathers, lovers, activists, wealth creators – and kings?
In this new course led by Dr Sherry Ashworth, we will start by looking at Elizabeth Gaskell’s John Barton in Mary Barton (father) and then move onto John Thornton in North and South together with Mr Rochester from Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre (lovers).
Then we will explore George Eliot’s Felix Holt in Felix Holt, the Radical (activist and lover), Jabez Clegg in Isabella Banks’ A Manchester Man (wealth creator) and finally the heroes of Rudyard Kipling’s novella, The Man who would be King – empire builders!
How easy is it to be a man in a man’s world?
What are you waiting for? Come and join us!
This month’s session will focus on John Thornton from Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and Mr Rochester from Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
The course is suitable for the general reader who wants to delve deeper into 19th century writing. Extracts will be provided in advance to focus your reading. Sessions will take place on zoom and numbers are limited to allow an inclusive discussion with the chance for all to take part. Please note these sessions will not be recorded as we do not have permissions from attendees.
Every second Wed* of the month January – May 2025, 7-9pm
*The February session will be on the first Wednesday of the month to avoid our online Valentines Day talk but the rest of the sessions will remain on the second Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday 5 February – Lovers – John Thornton from Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and Mr Rochester from Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
Wednesday 12 March – Activists – Felix Holt from George Eliot’s Felix Holt, the Radical
Wednesday 9 April – Wealth Creators – Jabez Clegg from Isabella Banks’ The Manchester Man
Wednesday 14 May – Rulers – Rudyard Kipling’s novella, The Man who would be King
£13 per session
“Learned so much about 19th century novels I was not familiar with. Sherry is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and engages with all the participants. Very inclusive.” Visitor to online events
**Refer to your e-ticket for joining instructions and zoom links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket.**
You can also support the house by buying from our online shop via this link.
If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
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.
7pm - 9pm
Workshops
