The Bound Girl by Mary E. Wilkins
The narrative follows a young girl named Ann Ginnins, bound as an apprentice to Samuel Wales and his wife, Polly, in 18th-century Massachusetts. Ann, only five years old, arrives at their home after a difficult journey from Boston, where her mother, Margaret Burjust, has placed her in servitude due to financial constraints. The Wales couple, expecting a more demure child, is taken aback by Ann's spirited nature and mischievous behavior. Initially, Ann struggles to adapt to her new life, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. She is tasked with various chores, including winding quills and tending to livestock, which she often resents. Despite her rebellious streak, Ann is affectionate and eager to please, leading to a complex relationship with her masters. Polly, while strict, grows fond of Ann, though she often imposes long hours of work on her. As Ann navigates her apprenticeship, she befriends a local girl, Hannah French, who represents the life of ease and privilege that Ann longs for. Their friendship highlights the stark differences in their upbringing, with Ann feeling the weight of her indentures and the expectations placed upon her. Ann's desire for freedom intensifies, particularly as she learns about the indentures that bind her to the Wales family. One fateful night, driven by a mix of anger and longing for her mother, Ann seizes the opportunity to escape. She retrieves her indentures from the locked desk and plans to run away to Boston. However, her attempt is thwarted by Captain Abraham French, who finds her and returns her to the Wales household. This incident serves as a turning point for Ann, who realizes the gravity of her situation and the consequences of her actions. Following the death of Deacon Thomas Wales, the family dynamics shift. Ann finds herself living more with her grandmother, who offers her affection and understanding. This change brings Ann a sense of comfort and belonging, allowing her to reconcile her feelings about her past and her role within the Wales household. Ultimately, the story explores themes of childhood, freedom, and the complexities of familial relationships, illustrating Ann's journey from a rebellious child to a more self-aware individual who learns to navigate her circumstances with resilience and grace.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1895 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction · 5,162 words
First lines
This Indenture Wittnesseth, That I Margaret Burjust of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. Have placed, and by these presents do place and bind out my only Daughter whose name is Ann Ginnins to be an Apprentice unto Samuel Wales and his wife of Braintree in the County afores: ^d, Blacksmith. To them and their Heirs and with them the s: ^d Samuel Wales, his wife and their Heirs, after the manner of an apprentice to dwell and Serve from the day of the date hereof for and during the full and Just Term of Sixteen years, three months and twenty-three day's next ensueing and fully to be Compleat, during all which term the s: ^d apprentice her s: ^d Master and Mistress faithfully Shall Serve, Their Secrets keep close, and Lawful and reasonable Command everywhere gladly do and perform.
What this Textopian page supports
The Bound Girl is listed on Textopian as a novella by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction, Family Saga, Social Commentary
- Length: 5,162 words
- Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Bound Girl 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 The Bound Girl?
- 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, detailing the life of a bound girl in 18th century New England, reflecting the social norms and practices of the time.
- Coming-of-Age — The narrative follows the growth and development of Ann Ginnins as she navigates her childhood, learns about her identity, and confronts her circumstances.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and character-driven, focusing on the emotional and psychological depth of the protagonist and her relationships.
- Family Saga — The story explores familial relationships, particularly between Ann and her caretakers, highlighting themes of duty, affection, and conflict within a household.
Tags
New England Fiction · Regionalism · Realism · Domestic Drama · Social Commentary · Feminist Themes · Marriage · Isolation · Loneliness · Mental Health · Psychological Insight · Character Study