Wives and Daughters

The novel is set in the fictional town of Hollingford and follows the life of Molly Gibson the young daughter of a widowed country doctor. Mollys life takes a turn when her father decides to remarry and she gains a stepmother Hyacinth Clare Kirkpatrick and a stepsister Cynthia Kirkpatrick. Wives and Daughters explores themes of love family dynamics social class and the position of women in Victorian society. The story delves into the complexities of human relationships portraying the interactions and conflicts between characters from different social backgrounds. Molly the protagonist is portrayed as a sensible and kind-hearted young woman who navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. She forms a close friendship with Cynthia her stepsister whose beauty and charm captivate those around her. The dynamics of their relationship as well as their romantic entanglements form a significant part of the narrative. Gaskell skillfully portrays the intricacies of society through a rich cast of characters including the domineering Mrs. Gibson Mollys stepmother; Squire Hamley and his two sons Osborne and Roger; and various other townspeople who play significant roles in Mollys life.