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Online Talk: Redemption through Divine Motherhood in Ruth – Religion in Victorian Literature

In a world that wasn’t built for women, we take a radical new look at religion and redemption in Victorian literature. Starting with Elizabeth Gaskell’s groundbreaking novel Ruth, this online talk reveals the revisionary use of Christian imagery and themes found in the scandalous story of a teenage mother. Then we take a look at similar ideas of ‘God as a mother’ in a range of authors from popular favourites like Charlottë Bronte and Harriet Beecher Stowe to lesser-known writers like Anna Jameson and Frances Power Cobbe.

How did they turn Christian imagery to their own uses? How do their works fit into Victorian debates around religion and gender roles?

Dr Rebecca Styler explores how literature was used by women to rewrite Victorian religion, giving a new perspective on some of your favourite authors.

Part of Ruth season

‘These talks are always really good: they feel friendly, relaxed and intimate, whilst being intellectually stimulating.’ Visitor to previous online event

Tickets £6

Wednesday 4 June 2025, 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.**

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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.

_{Main image is Demeter Mourning for Persephone from De Morgan Collection}