Young Lucretia by Mary E. Wilkins
The narrative follows a young girl named Lucretia, who lives with her two aunts, Lucretia and Maria, in a small village. The story opens with a conversation between two women observing Lucretia as she walks by, expressing pity for her. The aunts are strict and do not indulge her, leading to a sense of deprivation in Lucretia's life, particularly regarding the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Lucretia is depicted as a homely but cheerful child, dressed in hand-me-down clothes from her aunts. Despite her warm attire, she feels the sting of exclusion when her classmates discuss the Christmas tree at school, where they will receive presents. Lucretia's aunts have a firm stance against Christmas gifts, believing it to be a wasteful tradition. This creates a conflict within Lucretia, who desires to fit in and be part of the festivities. As the story progresses, Lucretia grapples with her feelings of shame and the desire to uphold her family's reputation. She concocts a plan to maintain her dignity by secretly bringing gifts to the school Christmas tree, hoping to convince her peers that she, too, has received presents. This act of defiance is driven by her longing for acceptance and fear of being ridiculed. On the night of the Christmas celebration, Lucretia's aunts unexpectedly attend, which heightens her anxiety. She receives gifts but is overwhelmed by guilt and fear of her aunts' disapproval. When they discover her deception, they are shocked and bewildered. Lucretia's emotional turmoil culminates in a desperate plea for her rag doll, which her aunts confiscate as punishment. The story concludes with a shift in the aunts' perspective. After witnessing Lucretia's distress, they reconsider their strictness and decide to show her kindness by providing her with a new doll and accessories. This act signifies a change in their relationship, highlighting themes of compassion, understanding, and the importance of familial bonds. Overall, the narrative explores the complexities of childhood, the desire for acceptance, and the impact of parental figures on a child's emotional well-being. Lucretia's journey reflects the struggle between individual desires and familial expectations, ultimately leading to a resolution that emphasizes love and support within the family.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1892 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature · 4,870 words
First lines
"Who's that little gal goin' by? " said old Mrs. Emmons.
"That -- why, that's young Lucretia, mother," replied her daughter Ann, peering out of the window over her mother's shoulder. There was a fringe of flowering geraniums in the window; the two women had to stretch their heads over them.
What this Textopian page supports
Young Lucretia is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary E. Wilkins, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Children's Literature, Realism, Social Commentary
- Length: 4,870 words
- Structure: 1 section, 108 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Young Lucretia 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 Young Lucretia?
- How does this short story 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 deep themes of childhood innocence, social expectations, and familial relationships through a nuanced narrative.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, young Lucretia, experiences growth and self-discovery as she navigates her desires and the constraints imposed by her aunts.
- Children's Literature — The story centers around a young girl and her experiences, making it suitable for a younger audience while conveying important life lessons.
- Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of rural life and the social dynamics of a small community.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Coming-of-Age · Romance · Social Commentary · Victorian Era · Female Protagonist · Family Drama · Love Story · Morality Tale · Social Class · Marriage · Society Expectations