Tell me a Story

Name: Tell me a Story
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth

The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected stories, primarily focusing on the experiences of children and their imaginative worlds. The initial setting introduces a group of children, led by an aunt, who request stories during twilight. The aunt, feeling inadequate compared to the children's vast knowledge of modern tales, is persuaded to share her own childhood memories and stories. One prominent tale features Louisa, a timid girl who finds solace in her mother's workbox, befriending the reels within it. These reels come to life in her imagination, leading her to a fantastical adventure where she becomes a queen among them. However, her experience reveals the limitations of her desires, as she ultimately longs for the comfort of her real life and family. Another story centers on Janet, a beloved child in a close-knit family, who cherishes her doll, Mary Ann Jolly. When a fever strikes the community, Janet's innocence leads her to wander away from home, where she encounters a sickly girl named Betsy. In a moment of misguided kindness, Janet's brother Hughie throws away Mary Ann to protect his sister from potential illness, leading to a series of events that culminate in Janet falling ill herself. The family's love and concern for Janet ultimately prevail, and she recovers, with the return of her cherished doll symbolizing the restoration of her happiness. The narrative also includes Judy, a girl who constantly grumbles about her life. After a chance encounter with a mysterious old woman, Judy is given an apple that allows her to experience life as another girl, Betsy. Through this experience, she learns the value of empathy and the struggles of others, ultimately returning to her own life with a newfound appreciation for her circumstances. Throughout these stories, themes of childhood innocence, the power of imagination, and the importance of family and friendship are explored. The children navigate their desires and fears, ultimately finding comfort in their relationships and the understanding that every life has its challenges. The tales serve as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of childhood, as well as the lessons learned through both joy and adversity.

By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1892 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fiction · 7 chapters · 41,313 words

First lines

The children sat round me in the gloaming. There were several of them; from Madge, dear Madge with her thick fair hair and soft kind grey eyes, down to pretty little Sybil -- Gipsy, we called her for fun, -- whom you would hardly have guessed, from her brown face and bright dark eyes, to be Madge's "own cousin. " They were mostly girls, the big ones at least, which is what one would expect, for it is not often that big boys care much about sitting still, and even less about anything so sentimental as sitting still in the twilight doing nothing. There were two or three _little_ boys however, nice round-faced little fellows, who had not yet begun to look down upon "girls," and were very much honoured at being admitted to a good game of romps with Madge and her troop.

What this Textopian page supports

Tell me a Story is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure, Moral Tales
Length: 41,313 words
Structure: 7 chapters, 572 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring stories that engage and entertain children.
Fantasy — The narratives often include imaginative elements and fantastical scenarios that captivate the reader's imagination.
Fiction — The stories are fictional, presenting made-up characters and events that convey moral lessons.
Adventure — Many stories involve adventurous plots that encourage exploration and curiosity.