Margaret was not a ready lover, but where she loved she loved passionately, and with no small degree of jealousy

Margaret was not a ready lover, but where she loved she loved passionately, and with no small degree of jealousy

In Elizabeth Gaskell's novel "North and South," the character of Margaret Hale is portrayed as a complex and multi-dimensional woman. She is not a ready lover, meaning that she is not quick to give her heart away to just anyone. However, when she does fall in love, she does so passionately and with a great deal of intensity.

Margaret's love for John Thornton, the brooding and ambitious mill owner, is a central theme in the novel. Despite their initial misunderstandings and clashes of personality, Margaret eventually comes to see the depth of Thornton's character and falls deeply in love with him. Her love for him is not just a fleeting infatuation, but a deep and abiding passion that consumes her.

However, Margaret's love for Thornton is not without its complications. She is a fiercely independent and strong-willed woman, and she struggles with feelings of jealousy and possessiveness when it comes to him. She is fiercely protective of their relationship and is quick to defend it against any perceived threats.

One of the key moments in the novel that showcases Margaret's passionate love and jealousy is when she confronts Thornton about his feelings for another woman. Despite her outward calm and composure, Margaret's emotions are running high, and she cannot hide her jealousy and hurt. This scene is a powerful example of Margaret's intense love for Thornton and her unwillingness to let anything come between them.

Overall, Margaret's character is a fascinating study in contrasts. She is not a traditional romantic heroine, but rather a complex and nuanced woman who experiences love in a deeply passionate and sometimes tumultuous way. Her love for Thornton is a central driving force in the novel, and it is through their relationship that both characters are able to grow and evolve.