Daniel and Little Dan'L
The narrative centers on an elderly man named Daniel Wise, who has spent his life in a small, unassuming cottage that has been in his family for generations. After retiring from his work as a shoemaker, Daniel grapples with a deep-seated fear of summer heat, which he perceives as a formidable adversary. His life takes a turn when he becomes the guardian of his young niece's daughter, affectionately named Little Dan'l. Daniel's relationship with Little Dan'l becomes the focal point of his existence. He adores her and is determined to provide her with a nurturing environment, despite his own anxieties about the oppressive summer heat. The story explores Daniel's internal struggles as he confronts his fears while caring for the delicate child. He is depicted as a moral coward in the face of physical discomfort, yet his love for Little Dan'l compels him to act against his instincts. As the summer progresses, Daniel's fears intensify, particularly on an exceptionally hot day when he insists on taking Little Dan'l for a walk, despite warnings from his housekeeper, Sarah Dean. The heat overwhelms him, leading to a collapse by a brook. In a moment of desperation, Little Dan'l runs for help, demonstrating her innocence and attachment to her uncle. Dr. Trumbull, the local physician, arrives just in time to save Daniel, who is revived with ice and care. This incident marks a turning point for Daniel, as he begins to confront his fears more directly. The narrative continues to depict the bond between Daniel and Little Dan'l, highlighting their shared experiences and the joy they find in each other's company. As autumn approaches, Daniel's worries shift to the winter months, fearing for Little Dan'l's health. However, as spring arrives, he finds renewed hope and joy in the changing seasons. The story culminates in a moment of triumph for Daniel, as he realizes that his love for Little Dan'l has empowered him to overcome his lifelong dread of summer. The once fearful man now embraces the warmth and beauty of life, having discovered that love can conquer even the deepest fears.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1900 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Domestic Fiction · 7,178 words
First lines
THE Wise homestead dated back more than a century, yet it had nothing imposing about it except its site. It was a simple, glaringly white cottage. There was a center front door with two windows on each side; there was a low slant of roof, pierced by unpicturesque dormers. On the left of the house was an ell, which had formerly been used as a shoemaker's shop, but now served as a kitchen. In the low attic of the ell was stored the shoemaker's bench, whereon David Wise's grandfather had sat for nearly eighty years of working days; after him his eldest son, Daniel's father, had occupied the same hollow seat of patient toil. Daniel had sat there for twenty-odd years, then had suddenly realized both the lack of necessity and the lack of customers, since the great shoe-plant had been built down in the village. Then Daniel had retired -- although he did not use that expression. Daniel said to his friends and his niece Dora that he had "quit work. " But he told himself, without the least bitterness, that work had quit him.
What this Textopian page supports
Daniel and Little Dan'L is listed on Textopian as a novella by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Mary E. Wilkins
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Realism
- Length: 7,178 words
- Structure: 1 section, 114 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Daniel and Little Dan'L by Mary E. Wilkins
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Daniel and Little Dan'L?
- How does this novella by Mary E. Wilkins fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores deep emotional themes, character development, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly between Daniel and Little Dan'l.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative focuses on the growth and development of Little Dan'l as she navigates her childhood under the care of Daniel.
- Domestic Fiction — The story is set primarily in a domestic environment, highlighting the daily lives and interactions of the characters within their home and community.
- Psychological Fiction — The book delves into the psychological struggles of Daniel, particularly his fears and anxieties related to heat and caregiving.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Family dynamics · Social class · Rural life · Childhood innocence · Loss of innocence · Friendship · Growing up · Self-discovery · Identity crisis · Small-town America · 19th century setting