How Fidelia Went to the Store
Aunt Maria Crooker and Mrs. Lennox face a dilemma when they realize they need raisins for a wedding cake, but neither can go to the store due to physical limitations. They consider their options and ultimately decide to send Fidelia, Mrs. Lennox's five-year-old daughter, to fetch the raisins. Despite initial hesitations about her age and ability, they agree that she can manage the task. Fidelia is excited and prepares for her journey, donning a clean dress and having her hair brushed. She sets off with a small wagon to carry the raisins. As she walks, she encounters a farmer who questions her about her errand, and she proudly states her purpose. However, as time passes, her mother and Aunt Maria grow anxious when she does not return. They speculate that she may have been delayed by cookies or treats at the store. When it becomes clear that Fidelia is late, Mrs. Lennox decides to go find her, despite her injured foot. Aunt Maria insists on going instead, and they both set out. Meanwhile, Mr. Lennox and Cynthia return home earlier than expected, and upon learning of Fidelia's absence, they quickly head to the store to search for her. Upon arrival at the store, they find that Fidelia has been waiting outside, knocking on the door, but no one had heard her. She had been left alone as the store was closed for the day. After being reunited, Fidelia is comforted with cookies and milk from Mrs. Rose, the store owner. She expresses her disappointment about not having received her candy, but Mrs. Rose generously offers her a variety of sweets. The story concludes with Aunt Maria resting at the store while Mr. Lennox takes the family home. Fidelia, now content with her candy, forgets her earlier distress, illustrating the resilience of childhood and the swift passage of worries. The narrative highlights themes of parental concern, childhood independence, and the simplicity of youthful joys.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1896 · Genre: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Realism · 4,559 words
First lines
"I don't know what we're goin' to do," said Aunt Maria Crooker. She sat in a large arm-chair, and held in her lap a bowl of sugar and butter that she was creaming. Aunt Maria filled up the chair from arm to arm, for she was very portly; she had a large, rosy, handsome face, and she creamed with such energy that she panted for breath.
"Well, I don't know, either," rejoined her sister, Mrs. Lennox. "I can't go to the store with my lame foot, that's certain."
What this Textopian page supports
How Fidelia Went to the Store is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Realism, Coming-of-Age, Humor
- Length: 4,559 words
- Structure: 1 section, 83 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How Fidelia Went to the Store 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 How Fidelia Went to the Store?
- How does this short story by Mary E. Wilkins fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The story centers around a young child, Fidelia, and her adventure to the store, making it primarily aimed at a child audience.
- Family Drama — The narrative explores family dynamics, particularly the concerns of mothers regarding their children's safety and responsibilities.
- Realism — The story depicts everyday life and realistic situations, focusing on common family issues and the innocence of childhood.
- Coming-of-Age — Fidelia's journey represents a small step towards independence and maturity, typical of coming-of-age themes.
Tags
Realism · American Literature · Short Story · Domestic Fiction · Marriage · Family Dynamics · Social Commentary · Regionalism · New England Setting · Female Protagonist · Domesticity · Household Management