North and South, Chapter 40 summary
Chapter 40 of 52 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 40, Mr. Thornton wounds Margaret during an evening with Mr. Bell and resolves to avoid her, while Bell suspects affection between them. Margaret admits to her father that she refuses Thornton's proposal, loses hope in Frederick's prospects, and begins considering how companionship and a change might help her father's declining spirits.
What happens
- Mr. Bell enjoys Margaret's company and debates the merits of Oxford and Milton with her and Mr. Hale.
- Jealous over Henry Lennox's letter, Thornton quarrels over industrial life and bitterly questions Margaret's truthfulness, then regrets hurting her.
- Margaret defends Thornton after his departure, prompting Bell to suggest mutual affection, which Mr. Hale firmly doubts.
- Bell offers friendship and proposes a shared country life, but Mr. Hale refuses to leave Milton.
- Nicholas describes frank exchanges with Thornton, while Thornton's increasingly rare lessons leave Mr. Hale lonely.
- Margaret admits refusing Thornton, expresses fading hope for Frederick, and considers her father's need for companionship and change.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Bell challenges Mr. Hale's certainty that Margaret cannot care for Thornton. His distinction between thought and feeling highlights how little her father understands her distress.
Quick check
Why does Margaret begin considering a change for her father?
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