The Little Old Portrait

Name: The Little Old Portrait
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth

In a picturesque farmhouse in Touraine, the Marcel children eagerly prepare for their mother's birthday, a cherished holiday. They gather flowers from the ruins of a nearby chateau, where the remnants of a once-grand estate evoke curiosity and nostalgia. Among the decorations is a small portrait of a little girl, which captivates the children, particularly Edmee, who wonders about its history. As the day unfolds, the children present their mother with gifts and decorations, while their father, Farmer Marcel, supports their plans. That evening, they request their mother to share the story behind the portrait, which she promises to tell them the following day. The children are filled with excitement and anticipation. However, the narrative shifts to the past, revealing the portrait's subject, Edmee de Valmont, a child of noble birth. The story recounts her idyllic childhood at the chateau, her friendship with Pierre Germain, the son of the forester, and the gradual decline of the Valmont family during the tumultuous times leading to the French Revolution. The once-happy household faces increasing unrest, and Edmee's mother, the Countess, struggles to protect her family amidst growing tensions. As the Revolution escalates, the Countess and Edmee are forced to flee Paris, ultimately leading to the tragic death of the Countess. Edmee and her cousin Edmond, left orphaned, find refuge with the Germains, who care for them as their own. The story explores themes of loyalty, love, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The narrative culminates in Edmee's determination to honor her mother's legacy and the bond she shares with Pierre, who has always been her protector. Together, they navigate the challenges of their new lives, embodying the values of kindness and compassion that their families instilled in them. Ultimately, the tale serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing one's roots, regardless of social status or circumstance. The portrait, a symbol of their shared history, remains a cherished artifact, connecting the past to the present and future generations.

By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery · 12 chapters · 52,299 words

First lines

There was great rejoicing among the children in the farmhouse of Belle Prairie, one of the most flourishing farms in the beautiful part of Touraine where it was situated. To-morrow would be their mother's birthday, and for as long back as any of the small people could remember "mother's birthday" had always been a holiday. For it fell in June, the loveliest month of the year, and the fun began the day before, when, as soon as they were released from school, they, and some chosen ones among their companions, came racing down the village street on their way to what was still called the "chateau," -- although the house had long since disappeared -- there, in the grounds now left to run wild, to gather to their hearts' content honey-suckle and roses, which had not always been "wild," bunches of forget-me-nots and trailing branches of ivy, with which to adorn the sitting-room at the farm which was considered peculiarly their mother's. It was what in an English farmhouse used to be called "the best parlour," and very proud of it were the boys and girls of Farmer Marcel, the owner of Belle Prairie. For it was not by any means every farmhouse that had a best parlour at all, and none possessed one so pretty as that of Madame Marcel, the farmer's wife.

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The Little Old Portrait is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1895 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Drama, Romance
Length: 52,299 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 760 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Little Old Portrait by Mary Louisa Molesworth
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 The Little Old Portrait?
How does this novel 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 deep themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time, characteristic of literary fiction.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the narrative reflects the social and cultural norms of its time.
Mystery — The plot involves elements of intrigue and the uncovering of secrets related to the portrait.
Drama — The emotional depth and character interactions create a dramatic narrative.