The Basket-Woman by Maria Edgeworth
The Basket-Woman is a novella by Maria Edgeworth, published in 1803. The story follows the life of a poor Irish woman named Bridget who lives in a small village. Bridget is known for her skill in making baskets, which she sells to support herself and her family. Despite her hardships, Bridget remains optimistic and kind, earning the respect and admiration of those around her. The novella explores themes of poverty, gender roles, and the power of positive relationships.
By Maria Edgeworth · First published 1802 · Genre: Children's Literature, Folk Tales, Fairy Tales · 6,492 words
First lines
At the foot of a steep, slippery, white hill, near Dunstable, in Bedfordshire, called Chalk Hill, there is a hut, or rather a hovel, which travellers would scarcely suppose could be inhabited, if they did not see the smoke rising from its peaked roof. An old woman lived in this hovel, many years ago, and with her a little boy and girl, the children of a beggar who died and left these orphans perishing with hunger. They thought themselves very happy when the good old woman first took them into her hut, and bid them warm themselves at her small fire, and gave them a crust of mouldy bread to eat. She had not much to give, but what she had she gave with goodwill. She was very kind to these poor children, and worked hard at her spinning-wheel and at her knitting to support herself and them. She earned money also in another way.
What this Textopian page supports
The Basket-Woman is listed on Textopian as a short story by Maria Edgeworth, dated 1802 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Maria Edgeworth
- Date: 1802 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, Didactic Fiction
- Length: 6,492 words
- Structure: 1 section, 119 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Basket-Woman by Maria Edgeworth
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The Basket-Woman contains stories which are told to children and encompass moral lessons that target a young audience.
- Folk Tales — Tales in The Basket-Woman often involve fantastical events, everyday people, and include a moral or lesson, characteristics typical of folk tales.
- Fairy Tales — Some stories in The Basket-Woman contain magic and fantastical creatures which align with the traditional elements of fairy tales.
- Didactic Fiction — The stories in The Basket-Woman aim to moralize and educate its readers, a key characteristic of didactic fiction.
Tags
social class · gender roles · Irish literature · 19th century · family dynamics · moral lessons · cultural identity · poverty · community · women's rights · education · romanticism