North and South, Chapter 22 summary
Chapter 22 of 52 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 22, Margaret urges Mr. Thornton to confront the angry crowd outside his mill, then shields him and suffers a wound that helps end the attack. His response reveals his love for her, while servants mistake her protective embrace for romantic boldness, making her recovery in his house deeply uncomfortable.
What happens
- Margaret requests a waterbed for her sick mother as a crowd attacks the gates over Thornton’s employment of Irish workers.
- With soldiers still absent, Margaret urges Thornton to address the crowd, then follows him outside when she sees missiles being prepared.
- Margaret shields Thornton, and a stone wounds her; the crowd retreats after he rebukes its violence.
- Thornton carries the fainting Margaret indoors and declares his love while alone beside her.
- Mrs. Thornton fetches a surgeon, while Jane and Fanny discuss Margaret’s embrace in terms that distress her as she regains awareness.
- Mr. Lowe treats the shallow wound and accompanies Margaret home; she wants to dismiss him before reaching her parents.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Margaret challenges Thornton’s reliance on military force and urges personal engagement. Her demand leads him outside and draws her into the confrontation.
Quick check
Why does Margaret put her arms around Thornton?
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