North and South Lesson Plan

What is Mrs. Thornton’s opinion of the usefulness traditional education? Why does she think this way?

She says that studying the classics is fine for “men who loiter away their lives in the country or in colleges,” but men of industry do not have time for such frivolous pursuits. Student responses may vary to the second part of the question. Some may note that Mrs. Thornton thinks this way because the laboring life the only one she has ever known. She has seen her son rise in the world without a traditional education. Others may note that, it shows her pride. She thinks herself above those who would while away their time with a book. On the other hand, her response could...