Comparing Gaskell's descriptions to Kirby's.

 

Comparing Gaskell’s depiction of working and slum housing to Kirby’s.

The Barton’s home

‘The room was tolerably large, and possessed many conveniences. On the right of the door, as you entered, was a longish window, with a broad ledge. On each side of this, hung blue-and-white check curtains, which were now drawn, to shut in the friends met to enjoy themselves. Two geraniums, unpruned and leafy, which stood on the sill, formed a further defence from outdoor pryers. In the corner between the window and the fireside was a cupboard, apparently full of plates and dishes, cups and saucers, and some more nondescript articles, for which one would have fancied their possessors could find no use- such as triangular pieces of glass to save carving knives and forks from dirtying tablecloths…. On the opposite side to the door and window was the staircase, and two doors; one of which (nearest to the fire) led into a sort of little back kitchen, where dirty work, such as washing up dishes, might be done, and whose shelves served as larder, and pantry, and storeroom, and all. The other door, which was considerably lower, opened into the coal-hole- the slanting closet under the stairs; from which, to the fireplace, there was a gay-coloured piece of oil-cloth laid. The place seemed almost crammed with furniture (sure sign of good times among the mills). Beneath the window was a dresser, with three deep drawers. Opposite the fireplace was a table, which I should call a Pembroke, only that it was made of deal, and I cannot tell how far such a name may be applied to such humble material. On it, resting against the wall, was a bright green japanned tea-tray, having a couple of scarlet lovers embracing in the middle. The firelight danced merrily on this, and ready (setting all taste but that of a child’s aside) it gave a richness of colouring to that side of the room. It was in some measure propped up by a crimson tea-caddy, also of Japan ware. A round table on one branching leg, ready for use, stood in the corresponding corner to the cupboard; and, if you can picture all this, with a washy, but clean stencilled pattern on the walls, you can form some idea of John Barton’s home. P.15.

Dean Kirby’s summary of a typical working-class home in Manchester in the 19^th century.

‘They stood no higher than 14ft to the eaves and contained two 10ft square rooms, one above the other. The lower room served as sitting room, kitchen and bedroom, with steps leading from the front door straight down into the street. Wooden stairs led to the upper floor, which was sometimes split into two smaller bedrooms. If they were lucky, a family might have a cupboard for plates and cups, a table and a couple of chairs. A smoke-browned China ornament often sat on a shelf above the fire, while further luxuries included a painted tea tray and a clock – essential for mill workers who needed to get up for work.’ p.57

Gaskell’s description of the Davenport’s slum

‘You went down one step even from the foul area into the cellar in which a family of human beings lived. It was very dark inside. The window-panes, many of them, were broken and stuffed with rags, which was reason enough for the dusky light that pervaded the place even at midday.’

‘the smell was so foetid as almost to knock the two men down. Quickly recovering themselves, as those injured to such things do, they began to penetrate the thick darkness of the place, and to see three or four little children rolling on the damp, nay wet brick floor, through which the stagnant, filthy moisture of the street oozed up; the fireplace was empty and black; the wife sat on her husband’s lair and cried in the dark loneliness.’ p. 57

Kirby's description of cellar dwellings 

The poorest could only afford cellar dwellings, which were never well furnished and often had just a bed made from orange boxes in the dark and airless corner. The fire would smoulder among the unswept ashes. The floors of many cellars were constantly wet with water draining in from the street and some were so damp that their ceilings were permanently shrouded in fog.’ P.57.

Although Gaskell's depiction of the Barton's home may be over decorated, this is in a time when the Barton's are in full employment and allows for there to be a significant difference in Barton's addiction and the death of Mrs. Barton. The similar notes of Chinese decorations reflect the imperialism of the 19th century, and signifies that Gaskell had visited working-class and slum homes.