Round the Sofa; vol. 1

Round the Sofa is framed as a gathering of individuals who meet regularly around a sofa to share stories. Volume 1 begins with the narrator describing the group and setting the stage for the various tales that will follow. The stories are connected through this framing device with the characters’ interactions adding depth to the storytelling experience. One of the key stories within the collection is My Lady Ludlow which focuses on a noblewoman and her traditional views on class and social change in the early 19th century. It touches on themes such as class conflict education and the slow pace of societal reform. Gaskell’s deft handling of character development and social issues is evident in this story as she balances personal narratives with broader societal observations.