Losey, Jay Brian.Freeland, Sarah.Baylor University. Dept. of English.2009-08-242009-08-242009-082009-08-24http://hdl.handle.net/2104/5377Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-67).This thesis looks at blatant and subversive performances in Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford, North and South, and Wives and Daughters. Referencing studies of nineteenth-century performance theory, I will argue that Gaskell, aware of her contemporaries' obsession with theatricality, created works that are ultimately concerned with authentic performances of societal roles. These roles, Gaskell paradoxically argues, have the dualistic potential of either initiating self-knowledge or trapping the individual in a self-annihilating existence. Seeking to navigate this duality, Gaskell acknowledges the integral part the community plays in a self's development but ultimately privileges individual integrity in accomplishing positive societal change.vi, 67 p.122649 bytes345581 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn, 1810-1865. Cranford.Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn, 1810-1865. North and south.Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn, 1810-1865. Wives and daughters.Performance in literature.Self-knowledge in literature.ThesisWorldwide access