Ann Mary her Two Thanksgivings
The narrative centers on a young girl, Ann Mary, and her grandmother, Mrs. Little, as they prepare for Thanksgiving. Ann Mary, who is delicate and lives with her grandmother, is keenly involved in the cooking process, ensuring that her grandmother does not forget any ingredients. The story unfolds with the anticipation of Thanksgiving, highlighting the family's traditions and the bond between Ann Mary and her grandmother. As they prepare for the holiday, Mrs. Little expresses disappointment over the lack of communication from her son and his family regarding their visit. Ann Mary, longing for her cousin Lucy, feels the weight of this absence. Despite the snow and the challenges of the season, the day is filled with the aroma of festive cooking and the warmth of family traditions. However, the day takes an unexpected turn when Mrs. Little receives news that her sister, Aunt Betsey, has taken ill, prompting her and Mr. Little to leave Ann Mary alone at home. Ann Mary, initially excited about the Thanksgiving dinner, soon finds herself feeling lonely and abandoned when her grandparents do not return. She attempts to maintain the spirit of the holiday by delivering a plate of food to a neighbor, but her efforts only deepen her sense of isolation. After a series of misadventures, including a failed attempt to visit her friend Loretta, Ann Mary returns home to find her grandparents have not yet returned. She resolves to take care of herself and even adopts Loretta's cat for companionship. The night is filled with tension as she locks herself in, fearing the dark and the unknown. Eventually, her grandparents return, but the turkey and plum pudding are mysteriously missing, leading to confusion and concern. The story culminates in a humorous revelation when the missing turkey and pudding are discovered under the sofa, a result of Mrs. Little's absent-mindedness. The family gathers for a joyful Thanksgiving dinner, and Ann Mary feels a deep sense of gratitude and happiness, realizing that despite the challenges, the spirit of Thanksgiving prevails. The narrative emphasizes themes of family, tradition, and the resilience of a young girl navigating her emotions and responsibilities.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1891 · Genre: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Slice of Life · 6,697 words
First lines
"Grandma."
"What is it, child?"
What this Textopian page supports
Ann Mary her Two Thanksgivings is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mary E. Wilkins
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Slice of Life, Coming-of-Age, Holiday Fiction
- Length: 6,697 words
- Structure: 1 section, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Ann Mary her Two Thanksgivings by Mary E. Wilkins
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The story centers around a young girl, Ann Mary, and her experiences, making it primarily targeted towards a child audience.
- Family Drama — The narrative explores family dynamics, relationships, and the importance of family gatherings during Thanksgiving.
- Slice of Life — The book depicts everyday life and the simple joys and challenges of a rural family during the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Coming-of-Age — Ann Mary's growth and maturity are highlighted as she navigates her feelings of loneliness and responsibility.
Tags
Feminism · Social Commentary · Realism · Domestic Life · Marriage · Isolation · Loneliness · Nature · Symbolism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Morality