North and South

“If Titania had ever been dressed in white muslin and blue ribbons, and had fallen asleep on a crimson damask sofa in a black drawing-room, Edith might have been taken for her.”

The reference to Titania is an allusion to William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which Titania is the queen of the fairies. The allusion highlights Edith’s ethereal beauty.

“But Margaret was at an age when any apprehension, not absolutely based on knowledge of facts, is easily banished for a time by bright sunny day, or some happy outward circumstance.”

At the beginning of the novel, Margaret’s character is a celebration of youth. Her love of nature and indifference to her parents’ problems symbolize her innocence and a carefree attitude that her protected lifestyle makes possible. She notices her father’s growing malaise, but she lacks to maturity to understand its significance. Nature easily draws her attention away from sadness to merriment, a distraction that signals her ability to avoid life’s difficulties before she moves to Milton.

“I have great faith in the power of will, I think myself I have succeeded pretty well in yours.”

Lennox’s sketch of Margaret reveals his physical attraction to her, especially to her body. The discussion makes her uncomfortable, and she attempts to change the subject, but he persists and deepens the discussion. His words are a foreshadowing of the coming proposal.