Where Sarah Jane's Doll Went
A young girl named Sarah Jane is enchanted by a beautifully crafted rag doll, gifted to her by her older sister, Serena. The doll, named Lily Rosalie Violet May, is a source of immense pride and joy for Sarah Jane, who is warned not to take it to school. Despite her sister's caution, the temptation proves too great, and she secretly brings the doll to school, where it quickly becomes the center of attention among her classmates. During recess, a boy named Joe West, known for his teasing nature, persuades Sarah Jane to let him hold the doll. In a moment of vulnerability, she relinquishes her grip, only for Joe to slip the doll into his pocket when the school bell rings. Distraught, Sarah Jane searches for Joe after school, but he avoids her. Unbeknownst to her, Joe's bossy calf accidentally consumes the doll while he is distracted. When Sarah Jane returns home, she faces disappointment and reproach from her family for disobeying Serena's warning. They believe the loss serves as a lesson. Months later, Sarah Jane receives a surprise package containing a new doll, purchased by Joe as an apology for the loss of Lily Rosalie. Although she is initially reluctant to accept it, the new doll captures her attention. On her birthday, Sarah Jane brings the new doll to school, becoming the center of admiration once again. However, she remains wary of Joe, determined not to let him take another doll from her. Years later, as adults, Sarah Jane and Joe reflect on the past, sharing a laugh over the events that unfolded. The story explores themes of childhood innocence, the consequences of disobedience, and the complexities of friendship.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1896 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 3,333 words
First lines
In the first place, Sarah Jane had no right to take the doll to school, but the temptation was too much for her. The doll was new -- it was, in fact, only one day old -- and such a doll! Rag, of course -- Sarah Jane had heard only vague rumors of other kinds -- but no more like the ordinary rag doll than a fairy princess is like a dairy-maid. The minute that Sarah Jane saw it she knew at once that there never had been such a doll. It was small -- not more than seven or eight inches tall -- not by any means the usual big, sprawling, moon-faced rag baby with its arms standing out at right angles with its body. It was tiny and genteel in figure, slim-waisted, and straight-backed. It was made of, not common cotton cloth, but linen -- real glossy white linen -- which Sarah Jane's mother, and consequently the doll's grandmother, had spun and wove. Its face was colored after a fashion which was real high art to Sarah Jane. The little cheeks and mouth were sparingly flushed with cranberry juice, and the eyes beamed blue with indigo. The nose was delicately traced with a quill dipped in its grandfather's ink-stand, and though not quite as natural as the rest of the features, showed fine effort. Its little wig was made from the fine ravellings of Serena's brown silk stockings.
What this Textopian page supports
Where Sarah Jane's Doll Went 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, Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realism, Family Drama
- Length: 3,333 words
- Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Where Sarah Jane's Doll Went 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 Where Sarah Jane's Doll Went?
- 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 girl's attachment to her doll, exploring themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the consequences of disobedience.
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account of a child's experiences and emotions related to her doll and school life.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Sarah Jane, experiences growth and learning through her attachment to the doll and the events that unfold.
- Realism — The story depicts realistic scenarios and emotions of childhood, focusing on relatable experiences.
Tags
Fiction · Short Story · American Literature · Realism · Domestic Drama · Family Conflict · Mother-Daughter Relationship · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Class Issues · Isolation · Loneliness