Mary Barton

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, the narrative explores the struggles of working-class families grappling with poverty and the quest for dignity. The story revolves around Mary Barton, a mill worker's daughter torn between the affections of two men: Henry Carson, the wealthy mill owner's son, and Jem Wilson, a devoted young laborer. Gaskell delves into themes of class disparity, love, and social justice, highlighting the stark contrasts between the lives of the affluent and the impoverished.