North and South, Chapter 15 summary

Chapter 15 of 52 · 25 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 15, Margaret and Mr. Hale visit Mrs. Thornton, seek a doctor for Mrs. Hale, and hear that a strike threatens Milton. That evening, John Thornton defends firm control inside his mill and workers’ freedom outside it, while Margaret argues that human dependence creates duties beyond paying wages.

What happens

Mr. Hale acknowledges fears about his wife’s health and agrees to seek a doctor’s name from Mrs. Thornton.
Margaret finds the Thorntons’ carefully protected drawing room uncomfortable, and Mrs. Thornton doubts her explanation of her mother’s absence.
Mrs. Thornton praises her son, warns of a strike, and describes confronting an angry crowd to warn Makinson.
John Thornton brings Dr. Donaldson’s address and explains that Milton employers refuse wage increases because they expect trade to worsen.
Margaret and Mr. Hale challenge Thornton’s comparison of workers to children and argue for independence joined with responsibility.
Thornton insists on authority during working hours, then apologizes to Margaret; she forgives him but offers no handshake.