The Squire of Sandal-Side A Pastoral Romance

The Squire of Sandal-Side: A Pastoral Romance exemplifies the typical pastoral genre of the Victorian Era, delving into themes of inheritance, legitimacy, and tradition against the backdrop of a rural Northern England setting during the dawn of industrialization. The main character embodies kindness, patience, and resilience, serving as a moral center. In contrast, her sister is depicted as self-absorbed and melodramatic, eventually devolving into a villainous figure.

The novel also displays a heavy-handed and often humorous bias against Catholics and Italians. The protagonist's willingness to forgive her brother's flaws starkly contrasts with her vehement disapproval of his decision to marry a Catholic Italian singer, which she views as an ultimate betrayal. This situation reflects a misguided "prodigal son" metaphor, humorously suggesting that his wild lifestyle is equivalent to "living at the father's house." Ultimately, the story highlights moral contradictions and societal judgments prevalent in its time, undermining the potential for deeper character exploration.