Cranford---Another Rural England Town Cranford is the British novel written by Mrs Gaskell.In simple terms,it tells us the details of small town life of hundreds of years ago,as typical structure of rural England in 19th century.The widow and old maids are the main part in this novel. Cranford was a small town. people who lived there were honest and lovely. They had a firm social rule and were fond of gossip. Due to following the old rules,they often make jokes.That`s the funny points in novel.Especially when the gossip-ladys faced the new arrival clothes, or the stranger coming to their town, what the kind of emotional expression in their face has become the representative expression on that age. The times Mrs Gaskell lived in commonly known as the Victorian era. British society has experienced great development of capitalism, changing by industrial process.Even the small town like Cranford has not escaped from this shadow. At the beginning of the story, young doctor graduated from Cambridge came to Cranford,and he brought the new medical concept at the same time. Economic development promotes the modern medicine, young doctor replaced his old uncle which suggested that the development of the whole story. Then, the housekeeper of local noblewoman secretly taught a poor kid to read to change his fate; Female bonnet maker showed her ambitions and independence of initial professional women at the time; The retired old general dedicated himself to the construction of railway; Even the valentine's day CARDS printed by machine also were shown in the town store. Something change,but something never change. The milk of human kindness under the old rules has remained in Cranford. People who live there know each other, help each other and understand each other. That`s a very important thing which people in city feel now. With the development of the story, the explosion Of railway and the bankruptcy of the local noble make people fear the change by industry.Besides, there are industrial machine damaging the natural scenery and simple way of life. The more changes in Cranford, the more memories of ordinary and quiet life they cherish.In many readers`opions, Cranford seamed as a representative of the beautiful small town life. Everyone have a Cranford in their heart and be dying for a simple live in this small town.However, it`s just a dream.We don't really need a Cranford, all we need just is a hope to recall the good thing when in trouble and give us strength when tired. 本文来源：https://www.wddqw.com/doc/1b56eef1ae51f01dc281e53a580216fc700a5309.html