Most literary critics agree that Margaret Hale is the central figure in Gaskell's North and South. Margaret's emotional, social, and psychological contexts are often analyzed in harrowing detail, as many consider her story paramount. However, the narration of Fredrick Hale, Margaret's brother, should be viewed with equal importance, if not more. Despite being seen as a minor character, Fredrick Hale is the link through which Milton is connected to the rest of global society. Through Fredrick, the conflicts in the novel are replicated on a transatlantic scale made possible by the advent of industrialization and capitalism; Fredrick's narrative, along with his various conflicts, not only mirror the context of the “Milton Revolution,” but also conflict in the United States and abroad. It's not often that minor characters get five chapters dedicated to them, yet Gaskell gives Fredrick's narrative ample time to breathe. Some have argued that Fredrick's tales serve solely to obscure the central plot, but fail to look at Fredrick's adventures from a more global perspective (Lee). By analyzing Fredrick from a global perspective, Fredrick's narrative begins to mimic the bevy of conflicts occurring in Milton and other transatlantic nations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay While it is unclear how close Fredrick and Margaret were, Gaskell is very quick to introduce Fredrick's character. When informed of Mr. Hale's decision to leave the Church, Margaret immediately connects the decision to Fredrick's (Lee) situation. By mentioning a “minor” character so early on, Gaskell seems to suggest that Fredrick will have a significantly larger role over the course of the novel. Fredrick is often mentioned by Mrs. Hale in both thoughts and conversations. Lee claims that Fredrick takes up "too much" of his character, as he often wants his son to be physically present. Although Margaret does not seem to care about Fredrick's predicament at the beginning of the novel, towards the end there is a clear change in her thoughts. After Fredrick's sudden intrusion into the plot, Margaret becomes fixated on his safety to the point of interfering with his daily activities (Lee). It is also important to note that Fredrick's story is conveniently placed at the end of Volume I, thus serving as the beginning of Volume II. Therefore, Fredrick is the transition point of the entire novel. It is for these reasons that Fredrick Hale is much more than just a secondary character. Fredrick's introduction to the novel is through the description of his occupation and a very brief mention of the mutiny. Fredrick's mutiny is a direct comparison to Milton's subsequent strike. Although Fredrick did not actually “strike,” he successfully managed to upset the established social order (on the ship), just as Milton's strikers wished to do. By learning of Fredrick's mutiny before Milton's strikes occurred, Gaskell seems to allude to Fredrick's importance. The mutiny also foreshadows problems with Thornton's business practices, which mirror those of an enlightened despot, as well as possible problems that strike participants will face (Lee). To further discuss Fredrick's importance to the novel, his naval experiences will be examined. Hale's profession in itself is a direct obstacle to social relations in Milton. As a sailor, Fredrick is able to transcend not only geographical boundaries, but alsohypothetical ones. Fredrick's general fluidity is in direct contrast to Milton's rigid caste system. Just like his sister, Fredrick is elevated beyond the artificial confines of the classroom. However, Fredrick is elevated above class boundaries because his specific class roll is unclear. Although he comes from a relatively middle-class family, Fredrick loses his sense of class during his sailing expeditions. Because of his captain's cruelty, Fredrick's class shares many commonalities with slaves (Lee). Captain Reid's treatment of Fredrick can easily be compared to his treatment of the American slave. According to Bolster, sailors could often be severely flogged, the practice becoming more lethal and widespread during the height of the British impression (Bolster). By comparing Fredrick's transatlantic mistreatment to that of the slaves, Gaskell is able to connect Fredrick to the institution of capitalism, a major theme of the novel. Fredrick is essential to the idea of ​​capitalism, as he is the literal and theoretical link between nations. Hale is the link between the pre-war cotton-producing south and the north of England (Lee). From this connection, Gaskell's novel can be seen in a much broader global context, mirroring that of an emerging capitalist society. Through Fredrick's connection with the cotton trade, the text seems to show how American interests and ambitions have an impact on Britain, which may well affect domestic relations, especially where work is concerned. At the time of publication, England was in a very poor situation nationally. Looking at the global economy in the nineteenth century, English stability domestically was directly influenced by American stability (Lee). Therefore, one might reasonably assume that the growing tensions in Milton could be the result of a tumultuous economy, which perhaps America is to blame for. Therefore, the connection between America and England, mainly through social relations and capitalism, is crucial to the novel's plot, as the destinies of the two nations are essentially intertwined. Because of the economic connection between the two nations, the text allows for connections between the United States and England. The main connection that can be examined is that of labor relations and the institution of slavery. Lee highlights the fact that many of Gaskell's novels seem to reflect the social conditions of not only England, but also America (Lee). Around the time of publication, British citizens became increasingly aware of slave narratives, which often included stories of “cruel masters” as well as “whipping scenes” (Lee). It is evident that Fredrick's accounts of mistreatment aboard HMS Russell reflect many slave narratives of the time. However, Fredrick's story mirrors that of a slave who shared his last name, Fredrick Douglass. Both of the Fredricks' plots primarily revolve around a revolt against a sadistic master. Lee argues that the character of Leonards, a former companion of Fredrick's, mirrors the aftermath of the Underground Railroad, particularly the constant battle between freedom and the risk of discovery (Lee). Fredrick not only reflects an American slave, but is a slave to the capitalist system. As a sailor, Hale's occupation is essentially governed by global demand. The text suggests that, just like Fredrick, Milton and England will eventually fall prey to capitalism. Thus, Fredrick's tales mirror slave narratives and subsequently portray Fredrick as.2007.61.4.449>.