Writing to Change Hearts and Minds – Ruth and Other Reforming Novels

Description Elizabeth Gaskell is recognised as a giant of Victorian literature. Yet stories such as Ruth (1853) were also reforming novels aimed at changing public opinion. Her complex female characters and tales of industrial strife show she had plenty to say about contemporary class and sexual politics in tales like Mary Barton and North and South too. But Elizabeth Gaskell was not the only reform writer. How and why did authors like Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë, Charles Kingsley, Frances Trollope and Harriet Martineau seek to challenge and shape public opinion? Popular speaker Prof Mike Sanders reveals the historical truth behind favourites like Shirley, Hard Times and even Illustrations of Political Economy! How did these classic writers hope to change hearts and minds? And just how successful were they? Perfect for anyone who wants to explore the context of the Victorian novel and the reality of life for many working-class people in the 19th century. ‘It was absolutely superb – very informative and delivered with authority.’ Visitor to previous online even Recorded October 2025. On purchase, you will be sent a link to this talk. Please note, due to the file size it may take a few minutes for the talk to load.