Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others

Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others

Elizabeth Gaskell, a prominent Victorian novelist, was known for her keen observations of human nature and society. In her works, she often explored the complexities of human relationships and the impact of social class on individuals. One theme that frequently appears in her writing is the tendency of those who are happy and successful to dismiss or belittle the misfortunes of others.

In Gaskell's novel "North and South," this theme is evident in the character of John Thornton, a wealthy and successful mill owner. Thornton is portrayed as a self-made man who has worked hard to achieve his success, and as a result, he tends to view those who are less fortunate with a certain degree of disdain. When the workers in his mill go on strike, Thornton is quick to dismiss their grievances and refuses to negotiate with them, believing that they are simply lazy and ungrateful.

Similarly, in Gaskell's novella "Cranford," the residents of the small town are portrayed as being somewhat out of touch with the realities of life outside their insular community. The ladies of Cranford, who are all comfortably well-off, are quick to make light of the misfortunes of others, such as the poor widow Mrs. Jamieson, who is forced to sell her possessions to make ends meet. The residents of Cranford are more concerned with maintaining their social status and upholding their own sense of propriety than with showing compassion or empathy towards those less fortunate.

Gaskell's exploration of this theme reflects the social attitudes of her time, where class distinctions were rigidly enforced and those who were successful were often seen as morally superior to those who were not. However, Gaskell also challenges this attitude in her writing, showing that true happiness and success come not from material wealth or social status, but from compassion, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.