Nature and Nurture
Posted
10th April 2025
in blog, Blogs & News, Literature
Elizabeth Gaskell’s works explore the balance between nature and nurture, showing how both the natural world and supportive relationships shape her characters’ emotional growth. In her novels, nature is not merely a backdrop but an active force and dynamic theme, while nurturing relationships emphasise the importance of empathy and equality as both her characters and readers embark on personal journeys of self-discovery.
In North and South, Elizabeth contrasts the industrial town of Milton with the peaceful countryside of Helstone, using nature to mirror Margaret Hale’s emotional journey. Margaret’s move from the idyllic Helstone to the harsh Milton reflects her intellectual and emotional maturation.
Nature, especially in scenes where she seeks solace in the countryside, becomes a space for introspection, helping her process her changing views on class, industry, and morality. The tranquillity of Helstone offers refuge, while Milton challenges her preconceptions, pushing her to grow. Nature, therefore, serves both as a healing force and a mirror to her transformation.
In Cranford, Elizabeth underscores the importance of cultivating relationships. The close-knit community of women exemplifies the power of empathy and support. Despite their hardships, they form bonds that go beyond social duty, exchanging compassion and advice. Through these relationships, Elizabeth shows that emotional intelligence and integrity are shaped not only by individual reflection but by the love and care of others, highlighting the significance of community spirit and mutual support.
In her letters, Elizabeth frequently reflected on the importance of friendship, recognising how these connections shaped her perspective and reinforced her sense of fairness and resilience. She believed that personal growth is inherently relational, influenced by the people we meet and the bonds we form. Her works suggest that the development of emotional insight stems from cultivating self-awareness and nurturing selfless, compassionate relationships.
Ultimately, Elizabeth’s depiction of nature and nurturing relationships emphasises their complementary roles in personal growth, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of both the environment and community, and how they nourish our own remarkable capacity for growth throughout our lives.
Blog by Caroline Malcolm-Boulton
As well as being a big fan of North and South, Caroline is a freelance writer, journalist and published fanfiction writer. She can be found on Facebook as The Scribbler CMB and you can read an extended versions of this article on Caroline’s blog.
Caroline Malcolm Boulton interviews top fanfiction writers Trudy Brasure, Elaine Owen and Philipa Holt to look at how they have been inspired by North and South to take up the pen in the name of Elizabeth Gaskell.
Watch North and South FanFiction: Writing a Passion on demand via our shop here
