North and South Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"Are those the Gormans who made their fortunes in trade at Southampton? Oh! I'm glad we don't visit them. I don't like shoppy people." (1.2.9)

Margaret Hale is anything but perfect. For starters, she's pretty judgmental when it comes to anyone who has made money at business. These "shoppy" people, according to Margaret, are too money-obsessed and self-interested to be interesting. 

Quote #2

"I shall have to console myself with scorning my own folly. A struggling barrister to think of matrimony." (1.3.59)

When Margaret turns down Henry Lennox's marriage proposal, the guy admits that he should have seen this coming. After all, he's only a young lawyer starting out with little money. So who was he to think he could marry a beautiful young woman? What he doesn't realize is that his money-centered way of thinking is probably one of the main reasons for Margaret's refusal. 

Quote #3

"Dixon," she said, in the low tone she always used when much excited, which had a sound in it as of some distant turmoil, or threatening storm breaking far away. "Dixon! You forget to whom you are speaking." (1.5.52)

Margaret is all about class equality and love for all humanity—that is until one of her servants starts getting sassy with her. Then she's more than happy to remind everyone that she's their boss.