The Green Casket

Name: The Green Casket
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth

A young girl named Ruth Perry, the only daughter in a family of boys, is excited to begin her new job as an under-housemaid at the Tower House, under the supervision of Lady Melicent Bourne. Ruth's mother, Mrs. Perry, is proud yet anxious about her daughter's departure from their home in Wharton. Lady Melicent is an old-fashioned lady who takes a personal interest in her staff, emphasizing the importance of honesty and respect in her household. Upon arriving at the Tower House, Ruth feels a mix of excitement and apprehension. She meets her fellow servants, including Naylor, the head-housemaid, who is strict and has a quick temper. Ruth is eager to please and determined to follow the rules set by Lady Melicent. However, her first challenge arises when she accidentally breaks a cherished soup bowl belonging to Lady Melicent. Despite her honest confession, Naylor harshly reprimands her, leaving Ruth feeling distressed and uncertain about her place in the household. As Ruth navigates her new environment, she learns to manage her duties while grappling with feelings of homesickness and the pressure of Naylor's expectations. She finds solace in her work and the kindness of Lady Melicent, who appreciates Ruth's straightforwardness. However, Ruth's troubles deepen when she accidentally breaks a beautiful green casket while dusting. Overwhelmed by guilt and fear of Naylor's reaction, she chooses to hide the damage, which leads to a growing internal conflict. Meanwhile, Lady Melicent's granddaughter, Flossie, arrives for a visit. Flossie is initially unhappy and harbors her own secret about breaking the green casket, which she has not confessed to her grandmother. Ruth and Flossie form a bond, but both girls struggle with their respective secrets. Eventually, Flossie confides in Ruth about her own guilt, prompting Ruth to reflect on her own situation. In a moment of courage, Ruth decides to confess her secret to Lady Melicent, who is understanding and supportive. She reassures Ruth that honesty is valued and that she will not be punished. This act of honesty strengthens Ruth's character and her relationship with Lady Melicent. The household dynamics shift positively when Naylor leaves to marry, and a new, kinder upper-housemaid takes her place. Ruth eventually rises in her position, becoming a trusted servant to Lady Melicent. The story concludes with Lady Melicent leaving the green casket to Ruth in her will, symbolizing the growth and trust that has developed between them. Ruth cherishes the casket as a reminder of her journey from a timid girl to a confident and responsible woman, sharing its story with her own children and grandchildren.

By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1883 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction · 4 chapters · 10,916 words

First lines

'Then good morning, Mrs. Perry. It all promises very nicely, I think. You may depend upon our taking good care of Ruth, and doing our best to train her well. Naylor takes great pride in her training. You will tell Ruth what I say, and impress upon her those two or three broad rules, and if she attends to those, it will be all right.'

What this Textopian page supports

The Green Casket is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1883 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 Louisa Molesworth
Date: 1883 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Children's Literature
Length: 10,916 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 184 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Green Casket by Mary Louisa Molesworth
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of morality, personal growth, and the nuances of human relationships, characteristic of literary fiction.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Ruth, undergoes significant personal development and experiences the challenges of growing up and taking on responsibilities.
Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, the story reflects the social norms and domestic life of the time, particularly regarding class and gender roles.
Domestic Fiction — The narrative focuses on the domestic sphere, detailing the lives and interactions of household staff and their relationships with their employers.