Online Talk: Sex and Scandal – Writing the Erotic in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Novels
Sex. Sensuality. Eroticism. Such words are not usually associated with Elizabeth Gaskell, the respectable Victorian wife of a Unitarian minister. Yet novels like North and South reveal a woman willing to write about secret desires and intimate feelings. How were such matters to be publicly discussed in an age famous for sexual repression?
Take a look at the art of love in literature from great romance to unrequited affection in works including North and South, Ruth, Sylvia’s Lovers, Cousin Phyllis, Mary Barton, Wives and Daughters and Cranford. Popular speaker Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of The Gaskell Society, reveals a thrilling new side to Elizabeth Gaskell’s timeless writing.
Part of Ruth season
‘The presenter was excellent and it really gave an insight into the novels, characters and authors. Amazing how much one can learn in just over an hour!‘ Visitor to previous event
Tickets £6
Wednesday 3 September 2025, 7-8pm
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7pm - 8pm
Talk, Talks
