Round the Sofa

Name: Round the Sofa
Author: Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

By Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

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British Literature Short Stories

About This Book

A convalescent narrator attends weekly gatherings at Mrs. Dawson’s sofa where guests tell a sequence of linked short stories. The narratives vary from aristocratic family dramas and disputes over inheritance to rural tragedies, moral reckonings, and uncanny misfortunes, combining gothic incidents with social realism. Through multiple voices the collection explores class divisions, duty and maternal feeling, pride and its consequences, and the passage of time on ordinary lives. The frame format and conversational tone emphasize intimate confession and reflection, allowing each tale to illuminate different moral dilemmas and domestic hardships across contrasting settings.

About the Author

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was a prominent English novelist and short story writer known for her keen social commentary and vivid characterizations. Her works often explore the complexities of Victorian society, particularly the struggles of the working class. Gaskell's notable novels include "Mary Barton," which addresses the plight of the industrial poor, and "North and South," a tale of class conflict set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution. Additionally, her beloved work "Cranford" offers a charming portrayal of life in a small English town. Gaskell's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on English literature, making her a significant figure in the Victorian literary landscape.