‘Yo’r a Stranger and a Foreigner’: Negotiating the Borders of Englishness in Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South

This paper explores the relevance of borders in relation to Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, a novel which, from its title, invites to consider ideas of geographical, social, and cultural divisions, and the role and pertinence of borders, be they physical or imaginary. Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, through its dichotomous representation of England, puts into light a cultural ‘battle’ between North and South, embodied by the growing tension between the main characters, John Thornton and Margaret Hale. This conflict puts forth not only economic and social concerns, but also the definition of national identity, and the prevalence of the most authentic version of Englishness. Through the union of Margaret and John, the depiction of the consequences of a partial understanding of others, and the emphasis on the dangers of overindulging in one’s local pride, the novel strives for national unity. The imaginary border between North and South is thus displaced in order to enlarge the definition of Englishness, so as to include local colour, without erasing cultural specificities. Gaskell suggests that a reconciliation between national unity—the cornerstone of Englishness—and seemingly opposed regional ideals can be achieved through the recognition of the Other’s value, and this Other has many faces in North and South.