Introduction: William Hale White, Nonconformist and Novelist

• Published in: Bunyan studies no. 17; p. 6
• Main Author: Owens, W R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle Upon Tyne Northumbria University, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Bunyan, John (1628-1688)
• ISSN: 0954-0970

The collection of essays ends with a reflection by Mark Crees on what White's life and work mean to him, prompted by a visit to his grave. Because the details of Hale White's life and work are not widely known, I have thought it helpful to provide a brief outline in this Introduction.2 I will focus particularly on White as a Nonconformist, and how one of the central Nonconformist values is given literary expression in his final novel, Clara Hopgood. According to White, however, he was not a man of great ability. Since Clara Hopgood is not well known, I will briefly outline the plot. According to Claire Tomalin, there had been nothing like it in English literature: 'Madge Hopgood is [...] the first English heroine to elect to become an unmarried mother on a point of principle, and to be given unequivocal credit for her decision by her creator.'8 Her sister Clara, and a warm-hearted family friend, Mrs Caffyn urge Madge to change her mind, suggesting to her that she is looking for an impossible perfection in human relationships, that Frank is a good man who loves her and will take care of her and their child.