Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's Cousin Phillis is a novella set in 19th-century rural England, focusing on themes of growth and love. The story’s narrator, Paul Manning, visits his relatives and meets his cousin Phillis and her family. Phillis is an intelligent and introspective girl who learns theology and literature at home, and she loves nature and books. She falls in love with Paul's colleague, Mr. Holdsworth, but suffers greatly due to his changeable behavior. The story delicately portrays Phillis’s journey of growth as she experiences the pain of her first love. Gaskell realistically depicts the complexities of human relationships along with the simple beauty of rural life. Phillis’s innocence and inner turmoil leave a deep emotional impact on readers. Cousin Phillis explores personal conflicts and growth within a changing society.

PART I
PART II
PART III
PART IV