The Homemaker

The Homemaker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

The narrative follows the life of a woman, a homemaker, who struggles with the demands of her family and household while grappling with her own sense of identity and purpose. The story begins with her scrubbing the kitchen floor, reflecting on her frustrations with her husband, children, and the never-ending chores that consume her life. Despite her efforts, she feels unappreciated and overwhelmed, often losing her temper with her children, particularly her youngest son, Stephen, who exhibits challenging behavior. As the plot unfolds, the woman's husband, Lester, suffers a serious accident that leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. This incident forces the family to confront their circumstances and adapt to a new reality. The woman takes on the role of the primary breadwinner, securing a job at a local department store, Willing's Emporium, where she begins to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of her domestic responsibilities. At the store, she encounters various challenges, including navigating the dynamics of her new workplace and the expectations placed upon her as a woman in a male-dominated environment. Despite initial struggles, she quickly proves herself to be a capable and dedicated employee, earning the respect of her colleagues and customers alike. Her interactions with customers reveal her empathy and understanding, particularly as she connects with women who share similar struggles. Throughout the story, themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the search for personal identity are explored. The woman grapples with her feelings of guilt and inadequacy as she balances her responsibilities at home with her newfound independence at work. Her relationship with her children evolves as they adapt to their father's condition and her role as a working mother. As the narrative progresses, the woman begins to reclaim her sense of self, finding strength in her work and the support of her community. The story culminates in a realization that her worth is not solely defined by her role as a homemaker but also by her contributions to her family and society as a whole. The woman's journey reflects the complexities of motherhood and the resilience required to navigate the challenges of life, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her family.

By Dorothy Canfield Fisher · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Social Commentary · 22 chapters · 82,542 words

First lines

She was scrubbing furiously at a line of grease spots which led from the stove towards the door to the dining-room. That was where Henry had held the platter tilted as he carried the steak in yesterday. And yet if she had warned him once about that, she had a thousand times! Warned him, and begged of him, and implored him to be careful. The children simply paid no attention to what she said. None. She might as well talk to the wind. Hot grease too! That soaked into the wood so. She would never get it clean.

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The Homemaker is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, dated 1923 CE.

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Domestic Fiction · Family Life · Marriage · Women's Roles · Social Class · Rural Setting · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Love Story · Romance · Realism · Character Study

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More by Dorothy Canfield Fisher