North and South, Chapter 38 summary
Chapter 38 of 52 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 38, Mr. Thornton urges his mother to advise Margaret gently, but her visit becomes a confrontation over Margaret’s reputation and refusal to explain herself. Higgins keeps his promise to seek work from Thornton, receives a harsh refusal, and leaves Thornton reflecting on the five hours he spends waiting.
What happens
- Mr. Thornton believes Margaret loves another man, yet asks his mother to offer her sympathetic advice.
- Mrs. Thornton invokes her promise to Margaret’s mother and rebukes Margaret for walking with a man after dark.
- Margaret refuses to explain, calls the accusations insulting, and leaves the room when Mrs. Thornton questions her motives.
- Troubled by delayed orders and costly investments, Thornton keeps Higgins waiting before hearing his request for work.
- Higgins offers assurances about his conduct and explains his need to support another man’s widow and children, but Thornton refuses employment.
- Learning that Higgins waits five hours, Thornton reflects on the hope and fear involved.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Margaret distinguishes her admitted wrongdoing from Mrs. Thornton’s accusations. Her refusal to explain preserves the misunderstanding even as she acknowledges fault.
Quick check
What makes Thornton reconsider Higgins’s visit after refusing him work?
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