Lettice by Mary Louisa Molesworth

Name: Lettice
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth

The narrative follows Lettice Morison, a young woman grappling with the impending death of her mother and the responsibilities of caring for her younger siblings, Nina and Arthur. The family is burdened by a longstanding feud with their wealthy relatives, the Morisons, which has left Lettice feeling isolated and resentful. As her mother’s health declines, Lettice struggles with her emotions, often dismissing her mother’s gentle attempts to reconcile with their relatives. When Arthur fails his military examination, he feels immense shame and decides to run away, believing he has disappointed his family. Lettice, feeling responsible for his departure, resolves to find him, believing that her influence has driven him away. She embarks on a journey to locate Arthur, driven by guilt and a desire to mend their fractured family. During her search, Lettice encounters various characters, including Godfrey Auriol, their cousin, who has been appointed as their guardian. Their relationship is strained due to Lettice's prejudice against the Morisons, which complicates her interactions with Godfrey. Despite her initial resistance, Lettice begins to recognize the kindness and support offered by her uncle and aunt, who wish to help her and her siblings. As Lettice navigates her feelings of guilt and responsibility, she learns about the importance of forgiveness and the dangers of prejudice. Her journey leads her to confront her own biases and the impact they have on her family. Ultimately, Lettice's character evolves as she reconciles with her relatives and embraces her role as a sister and guardian. The story culminates in a reunion of the Morison family, where Lettice's growth is evident. She learns to appreciate the support of her relatives and acknowledges the need for unity and understanding. The narrative emphasizes themes of family, forgiveness, and the consequences of prejudice, illustrating Lettice's transformation from a self-willed young woman to a more compassionate and understanding individual.

By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 12 chapters · 52,339 words

First lines

". The Faith Which winged quick seeds of hope beyond the boundary walls of death. " Dr Walter Smith, _Hilda_.

Lettice moved to the window. She choked down a little sob which was beginning to rise in her throat, and by dint of resolutely gazing out at what was before her, tried to imagine not only that she was not crying, but that she had not, never had had, the slightest inclination to cry.

What this Textopian page supports

Lettice is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Length: 52,339 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 907 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring themes and characters that resonate with children.
Fantasy — The narrative includes imaginative elements and whimsical scenarios typical of the fantasy genre.
Adventure — The plot involves exploration and experiences that align with adventure storytelling.
Fiction — The book is a work of fiction, presenting a narrative that is not based on real events.