At that time of all times for yearning and longing, just before the sharp senses lose their outlines in sleep

At that time of all times for yearning and longing, just before the sharp senses lose their outlines in sleep

Elizabeth Gaskell, a prominent Victorian-era writer, was known for her ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and relationships in her works. In her writing, she often delved into the themes of yearning and longing, exploring the depths of human desire and the struggles that come with unfulfilled dreams.

The phrase "At that time of all times for yearning and longing, just before the sharp senses lose their outlines in sleep" encapsulates the essence of Gaskell's writing style. It speaks to the moments of intense emotion and desire that often arise in the quiet moments before sleep, when the mind is free to wander and the heart is open to the whispers of longing.

Gaskell's characters often grapple with their own yearnings and desires, whether it be for love, success, or a sense of belonging. In her novel "North and South," the protagonist Margaret Hale experiences a deep sense of longing for her home in the countryside, even as she tries to adapt to the industrial city of Milton. Her yearning for a sense of belonging and connection to her past drives much of the narrative, as she navigates the complexities of class and social change.

Similarly, in "Cranford," Gaskell explores the yearnings and longings of a group of women living in a small English village. The characters in the novel yearn for companionship, love, and a sense of purpose in their lives, even as they navigate the constraints of society and the expectations placed upon them.

Gaskell's writing is imbued with a sense of melancholy and longing, as her characters grapple with the complexities of their own desires and the limitations of the world around them. In the quiet moments before sleep, when the sharp senses begin to blur and the mind is free to wander, Gaskell's characters find solace in their yearnings and longings, seeking to make sense of the tumultuous emotions that lie within.