Mrs. Hale is portrayed as being physically and emotionally weak. She loves her husband but regrets the loss of the luxuries and social position she was born with, often fretting about their humble- though comfortable- life in Helstone. She loves her daughter yet neglects to demonstrate this, so consumed is she with yearning for her absent son. Indeed, most of her discontentment and inability to accept life as it is, seems to date from Frederick's scandal and flight from the authorities. The news that they must leave Helstone which is at least respectable, for the uncouth north to live in reduced circumstances in a factory town, nearly destroys her.
In addition to some of the main characters, the first part of the novel also introduces themes which will recur throughout the book in various forms. Strength of character is frequently contrasted with weakness, for example, Margaret's ability to deal with their sudden change in fortune as opposed to her mother's inability to cope. As well, we see several examples of rebellion against authority or convention, such as Rev. Hale's against the church and Frederick's against the Navy. It is clearly demonstrated that, justified or not, these acts of rebellionhave serious consequences for others, who frequently end up paying a higher price for them than their perpetrators.