Thornton, a capitalist. It is through Margaret's views that the author expresses her attitude towards capitalism. Margaret's father, Mr. Hale, is contrasted with his daughter in that he undergoes a crisis of faith as a result of the new social and economic system. A questions his faith. He thus leaves his occupation as vicar for the Church of England to move away from the South to the Northern town Milton.

The setting as the family moves northward is representative of the general perception of industrialization during the time. As they move closer towards the North and industry, the landscape becomes increasingly gloomy until there is a sharp contrast with the untouched nature of the Hales' hometown, Helstone. Margaret however maintains an open mind regarding the industrial world and its inhabitants, and becomes friends with the laborers. It is through these friendships that the reader is brought to a deeper understanding of the suffering resulting from working conditions in factories during this period.

Gaskell focuses her attention on understanding class relations during this time through Margaret's relationships with the laborers and Mr. Thornton. The center of this understanding is Margaret's view that everybody, no matter how rich or poor, or to which class he or she belongs, depends upon others for something. This interwoven dependence is the hope that Margaret sees in the industrial world.
While clearly demonstrating the problems associated with industrialization, Gaskell also offers a ray of hope. This hope lies in the understanding that human beings are interdependent, and that such a realization will eventually lead to the creativity that Gaskell sees as potentially inherent in industrialization. This attitude is remarkable for an author of the time, and distinguishes Gaskell's novel from others that display a gloomier image of the era.