Ruth is a young orphaned girl who works in a sweatshop. Mrs. Mason,
Ruth's boss, runs the sweatshop in a respectable manner, earning a
sterling reputation among her employees and society. However, the
comfort and acclaim of Ruth's job is threatened when she attends a ball
to repair any dresses that get torn during dancing. There, she meets an
aristocratic man named Henry Bellingham, who is infamous for his immoral
treatment of women and frivolous spending. Ruth, however, is blinded by
his charm, and after they have another chance encounter, befriends the
man. When they are spotted together, Ruth's reputation is at stake as
rumors start to fly. Worried about the gossip harming her sweatshop Mrs.
Mason fires Ruth, leaving her with nowhere to go. With no other viable
options, Ruth accepts Henry's invitation to go to London. Now considered
a fallen woman, Ruth's reputation seems to be in a state beyond repair,
though, while she stays with Henry, she is protected by his privilege.
Held to lower standards by society, Henry is slightly looked down on,
but his wealth and gender protects him from actual consequence. Perhaps
that is why he finds it so easy and acceptable to leave Ruth, stranding
her in Wales with a small allowance and tarnished reputation. Hopeless
and pregnant, Ruth slips into a deep despair. It is only at the mercy of
a kind local family, the Benson's, that Ruth is able to continue living.
With their help, Ruth creates a new alias and backstory to live under,
and is able to get a job and start to rebuild her social status.
However, when Henry makes a surprise return, and rumors start to grow
once again, Ruth must overcome illness and social disgrace to provide a
better life for her son, and for herself.
With strong characterization and themes of morality, gender, and
sexuality in Victorian society, Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
provides a compelling glimpse into the hypocrisies of social
expectations while depicting a moving narrative that captures both the
audience's mind and heart.
This edition of Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is now presented in
an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover design. With
these accommodations, modern audiences are provided a lavish and
accessible reading experience.
