Deacon Thomas Wales's Will
The narrative unfolds through the will of Thomas Wales, a deacon from Braintree, Massachusetts, who bequeaths his estate to his wife, Sarah, and their seven children. The will sets the stage for familial dynamics and conflicts, particularly focusing on the lives of his sons Ephraim and Atherton, and their wives, Dorcas and Grandma. Ephraim, more successful than his siblings, takes land as his share, while Atherton moves into the old homestead with Dorcas, who struggles with her new living conditions compared to her sisters-in-law. Dorcas's high-spirited nature clashes with the realities of their modest life, leading to tension as she desires a more comfortable home. The story introduces Ann, a young girl living with Grandma, who becomes a focal point of conflict between Dorcas and Grandma. Ann's presence in the household is met with mixed feelings, particularly from Dorcas, who feels threatened by Ann's relationship with Grandma and her perceived favoritism. Ann's chores include helping Grandma, but she often finds herself at odds with Dorcas, leading to various incidents that highlight the friction in their household. A pivotal moment occurs when Ann accidentally burns Dorcas's carefully made candle-wicks, leading to a confrontation that reveals the underlying tensions. Despite the conflict, Ann's bravery shines through when she ventures out into a storm to fetch a doctor for Dorcas's sick child, Thirsey. This act of courage transforms her standing in the family, earning her respect and gratitude from Dorcas, who acknowledges Ann's role in saving her child's life. The resolution of the story sees a shift in family dynamics, as Dorcas's animosity towards Ann dissipates, replaced by a newfound appreciation. The narrative concludes with a sense of harmony restored within the household, emphasizing themes of family loyalty, the complexities of relationships, and the impact of individual actions on communal ties. The will serves as a catalyst for exploring these themes, illustrating how the distribution of property can reflect and influence personal relationships.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1902 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga, Coming-of-Age · 4,153 words
First lines
In the Name of God Amen! the Thirteenth Day of September One Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty & eight, I, Thomas Wales of Braintree, in the County of Suffolk & Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, Gent -- being in good health of Body and of Sound Disproving mind and Memory, Thanks be given to God -- Calling to mind my mortality, Do therefore in my health make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament. And First I Recommend my Soul into the hand of God who gave it -- Hoping through grace to obtain Salvation thro' the merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ my only Lord and Dear Redeemer, and my body to be Decently inter^d, at the Discretion of my Executor, believing at the General Resurection to receive the Same again by the mighty Power of God -- And such worldly estate as God in his goodness hath graciously given me after Debts, funeral Expenses &c, are Paid I give & Dispose of the Same as Followeth --
What this Textopian page supports
Deacon Thomas Wales's Will is listed on Textopian as a novella by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Family Saga, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 4,153 words
- Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Deacon Thomas Wales's Will 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Deacon Thomas Wales's Will?
- How does this novella by Mary E. Wilkins fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the social and familial dynamics of 18th-century New England.
- Family Saga — The narrative revolves around family relationships, inheritance, and the complexities of domestic life.
- Coming-of-Age — The character Ann experiences growth and development, showcasing her bravery and maturity throughout the story.
- Drama — The plot involves emotional conflicts and tensions within the family, highlighting personal struggles and resolutions.
Tags
American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · New England Setting · Small Town Life · Family Dynamics · Social Class · Morality · Religion · Moral Ambiguity · Character Study · Psychological Insight · Symbolism