Realistic Poetics of the Dipiction of Religious Fanatisism in “Lois the Whitch” Histor-ical tale by Elizabeth Gaskell

Abstract

The article analyses Gaskell`s historical tale “Lois the Witch” (1859). The stress is done on the artistic means of the depiction of Christian ideas of the author, realistic poetics of the portrayal of the “witches” trial that took place in the American town of Salem at the end of the XVII century: character typification, psychological analysis (description of mass and individual consciousness work), socially determined characters and conflicts. Also, the theme of maternity and the problem of orphanhood are considered as the main ones in the works of Gaskell. The narration analysis reveals the use of irony, metonymy and internal monologue. It shows, too, the emphasis on the time distance between the period of the novella creation and the events portrayed in it by the direct author`s speech in order to highlight the primitive and barbaric nature of the depicted. Historical authenticity is created by the wide use of the factual information in the narration and the introduction of the real historic characters of Britain and the USA (church ministers and scholars, monarchs).    Keywords: E. Gaskell, religious fanaticism, Puritans, maternity theme, orphanhood problem, psychological analysis, historical prose.