Cranford

There are several symbols in Cranford, including the village of Cranford itself, literature, and clothing. Choose one of the symbols from the novel and analyze its development over the course of the novel.

Why do you think that Gaskell doesn’t reveal Mary Smith’s name until Chapter 14? What do we really know about Mary? How would you describe Mary’s role in the novel?

Cranford is an episodic novel: a genre of storytelling consisting of self-contained stories that feature the same “cast” of characters. Why do you think Gaskell chose to write Cranford as an episodic novel? How does it affect the narrative? Do you find it effective?

Gender plays an important role in Cranford. In what ways does the novel subvert the gender roles of the Victorian era?

How do the women of Cranford view “outsiders” such as Captain Brown and Signor Brunoni/Samuel Brown? Why do they come to accept Captain Brown and Signor Brunoni?

The Cranford women pride themselves on their commitment to “elegant economy” (9). What is “elegant economy”? What role does it play in the novel?

Miss Matty replaces her sister Deborah after Chapter 2 as the main woman the narrative follows. How does Miss Matty differ from Deborah? How does Miss Matty develop over the course of the novel?

In what ways is Cranford a commentary on the industrialization of society in 18th and 19th-century Great Britain?