The Copy-Cat by Mary E. Wilkins
The narrative revolves around two young girls, Amelia Wheeler and Lily Jennings, who attend the same school. Amelia, often referred to as "Copy-Cat," idolizes Lily, who is beautiful and fashionable, while Amelia is plain and dresses simply due to her mother's strict views on attire. Amelia's admiration for Lily leads her to mimic her in various ways, from her mannerisms to her speech, which draws the attention and teasing of their peers. Amelia's mother, Diantha, is a strong-willed woman who believes in practicality over appearance, often criticizing Lily's mother for her daughter's extravagant clothing. This creates a tension between the two families, particularly as Amelia's self-esteem is affected by her plainness compared to Lily's beauty. Despite her mother's disapproval, Amelia's admiration for Lily grows, and she begins to experience a transformation, both in her demeanor and appearance, as she subconsciously adopts Lily's traits. The story escalates when Lily, aware of Amelia's adoration, devises a mischievous plan that involves Amelia dressing up in one of her beautiful frocks to sneak out and join a group of boys for a secret chicken roast. This plan, however, goes awry when the boys fail to bring the necessary food, leading to a chaotic situation where Lily and Amelia's identities become entangled. As the plot unfolds, Amelia's mother becomes increasingly concerned about her daughter's well-being, especially as she notices changes in Amelia's behavior and appearance. The climax occurs when Lily's plan is discovered, leading to a confrontation between the two mothers. Ultimately, Amelia's mother realizes the importance of nurturing her daughter's self-esteem and individuality, resulting in a shift in how she allows Amelia to express herself through her clothing. By the end of the story, Amelia begins to develop her own sense of identity, distinct from Lily, as she gains confidence and starts to wear clothes that reflect her personality. The narrative concludes with a sense of growth for both girls, highlighting themes of admiration, identity, and the impact of societal expectations on self-worth.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature · 8,987 words
First lines
THAT affair of Jim Simmons's cats never became known. Two little boys and a little girl can keep a secret -- that is, sometimes. The two little boys had the advantage of the little girl because they could talk over the affair together, and the little girl, Lily Jennings, had no intimate girl friend to tempt her to confidence. She had only little Amelia Wheeler, commonly called by the pupils of Madame's school "The Copy-Cat."
What this Textopian page supports
The Copy-Cat is listed on Textopian as a novella by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature, Social Commentary, Realism
- Length: 8,987 words
- Structure: 1 section, 200 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Copy-Cat by Mary E. Wilkins
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Copy-Cat?
- 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 complex themes of identity, admiration, and social dynamics among children, showcasing character development and emotional depth.
- Coming-of-Age — The story centers on the growth and self-discovery of Amelia as she navigates her feelings of admiration and imitation of Lily.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a younger audience, featuring child protagonists and themes relevant to childhood experiences.
- Social Commentary — The book critiques societal standards of beauty and the pressures of conformity among children.
Tags
Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Small Town Secrets · Family Drama · Guilt and Shame · Obsession · Manipulation · Deception · Betrayal