ENGL 510: The City in the 19th Century

As I read through Louis Wirth’s “Urbanism as a Way of Life,” I kept referring back to Mary Barton, and I struggle with whether or not the working class in Gaskell’s novel suffer from the imbedded isolation that Wirth argues is inevitable when living in the city. I certainly cannot deny that most, if not all of the working class is completely isolated from the upper middle classes, but they also seem to be able build a strong community among themselves. 

Wirth rightly points out that with the urbanization of the city, interpersonal relationships are typically based on utility, and that although people interact with one another on a larger scale, and on a more regular basis, there is an even greater sense of isolation (12). For the most part, his claim makes sense; I think it is quite common for many individuals who just migrated from the a small town to a metropolitan city to feel alienated from their neighbors, but I have a difficult time believing that this is all one finds in the city. 

In Mary Barton, Gaskell creates an environment in which the working class must contend to their struggles alone, but at the same time, we also see characters such as Margaret and Mary build relationships with those around them, and it is through these bonds that they are able to overcome some of their personal and economical struggles. When Margaret must confront her blindness, she turns to Mary for support; and, when Mary is in need of comfort, Margaret immediately comes to her aid. It is true that in both instances each character may not know the intimate details of their neighbor’s struggles, but they are at least able to come to their assistance when necessary. 

      Notice that after Margaret becomes a singer and must travel so that she can support her and her grandfather, she is unable to spend time with Mary. Their friendship is somewhat stalled. There are even a few chapters in which they do not communicate with one another at all. Both women are preoccupied with their financial problems, and due to their financial instability, they must focus on sustaining their livelihood that they do have time for anything else, not even their friendship. Their separation is a perfect example of the alienation commonly experienced in the city.  But, at the very moment when Mary feels completely isolated and alone, Gaskell reunites her with Margret and they exchange an intimate moment where Margaret provides some relief and assistance to her heartbroken friend. 

In Chapter nine, Margaret makes a quick visit to Mary’s home after a period of absence, and at this time Mary opens up to her friend, admitting her regret in refusing Jem’s hand in marriage (143). Mary breaks down sobbing, and Margaret “look[s] at her with sorrow, but with hope; for she had no doubt in her own mind, that it [is] an only temporary estrangement” (144). She provides Mary with sound advice, and right before she leaves, Margaret hands Mary “this bit o’gold” (144). She is aware of Mary’s financial circumstances even though they never outrightly discuss it. Nevertheless, Margaret reminds Mary that if her and her father are “ever pressed for money [she and her grandfather] should take it very unkind if [Mary does not let them know]” (144). Right when Mary needs comfort the most, Gaskell immediately undercuts the feeling of alienation by reuniting the two ladies together. In a moment of complete despair and isolation, Mary receives the comfort and intimacy she needs. This scene, albeit small and perhaps minor to the overall narrative, demonstrates (at least in this novel) that even in the city where isolation is the norm, intimate relationships are formed, and that ultimately, isolation is not inevitable in the city.