The Half-Brothers

Name: The Half-Brothers
Author: Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

By Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

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British Literature Short Stories

About This Book

The narrator recounts a mother's troubled life: married young to a struggling farmer who dies, enduring poverty, the loss of a daughter, and the birth of a son, Gregory. Her eyesight later fails and she accepts a marriage to a prosperous older farmer who provides but does not win her affection; his growing jealousy and harshness toward the child create household tension. The mother weakens after a subsequent childbirth and dies, leaving conflicting loyalties and resentments that shape the narrator's early family circumstances. The account highlights maternal devotion, grief, and the pressures of dependence and social position.

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.