Mary Barton

by

Elizabeth Gaskell

Mary Barton: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The Bartons and Wilsons return to the Bartons’ modest home to have tea together. John and Mrs. Barton tell Mary to go buy food and invite Alice Wilson to join them. After Alice arrives, she offers a toast to absent friends—and immediately realizes her gaffe: Esther is absent. Mrs. Barton weeps. At the end of the evening, Alice apologizes. Mrs. Barton hugs her, tells her she knows Alice didn’t mean to trouble her, and blesses her.
Alice’s apology to Mrs. Barton shows her empathy, humility, and desire to help others, while Mrs. Barton’s decision to bless Esther—a religious response—shows the centrality of Christianity to the characters’ personal and social lives.
Themes
Christianity Theme Icon
Poverty and Morality Theme Icon
Empathy vs. Ignorance Theme Icon