Dolly and I by Oliver Optic (1879)

Name: Dolly and I
Author: Oliver Optic

The narrative follows two sisters, Katy and Nellie Green, who embody contrasting traits of envy and generosity. Katy, the older sister, struggles with feelings of envy, particularly when it comes to possessions and attention. Nellie, on the other hand, is selfless and finds joy in sharing her belongings, including her happiness. The story begins with Katy receiving a beautiful wax doll named Lady Jane from her aunt, which brings her immense joy. However, Nellie, despite not owning the doll, is happy for her sister. This dynamic sets the stage for the exploration of envy, as Katy's possessiveness and jealousy become apparent when Nellie expresses a desire to play with Lady Jane. When Nellie's friend Flora visits, they wish to borrow Lady Jane for their play. Katy refuses, showcasing her selfishness and unwillingness to share. This refusal deeply affects Nellie, who feels hurt not just by the denial but by her sister's harshness. Despite her disappointment, Nellie remains kind and forgiving, demonstrating her generous spirit. As Christmas approaches, Nellie receives a new doll, Miss Dolly, from Flora's mother. This doll is even more exquisite than Lady Jane, which exacerbates Katy's envy. Instead of celebrating her sister's happiness, Katy's jealousy leads her to sabotage Miss Dolly by damaging her eyes, believing this act would elevate her own doll's status. However, in a twist of fate, Katy mistakenly damages Lady Jane instead, leading to her own regret and sorrow. This incident serves as a pivotal moment for Katy, forcing her to confront the consequences of her envy. The story concludes with a moral lesson about the destructive nature of envy and the importance of kindness and generosity, as well as the realization that harboring such feelings ultimately harms oneself more than others. Through the experiences of the two sisters, the narrative illustrates the emotional turmoil caused by envy and the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.

By Oliver Optic · First published 1879 · Genre: Children's Literature, Moral Tale, Family Drama · 4 chapters · 6,478 words

First lines

Do you know what envy means? I hope you have never felt it, for it is a very wicked feeling. It is being sorry when another has any good thing. Perhaps you will know better what the word means when you have read my story; and I hope it will help you to keep the feeling away from your own heart.

Not far from Mr. Lee's house, in Riverdale, lived a man by the name of Green. He was the agent of one of the factories in the village. Mr. Green had two little girls and three sons. The boys have nothing to do with my story, and for that reason I shall not say a great deal about them.

What this Textopian page supports

Dolly and I is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Optic, dated 1879 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Oliver Optic
Date: 1879 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Moral Tale, Family Drama, Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Length: 6,478 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 160 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at children, featuring themes of envy, sharing, and moral lessons through the experiences of young characters.
Moral Tale — The narrative focuses on teaching moral values, particularly the dangers of envy and the importance of kindness and generosity.
Family Drama — The story revolves around family dynamics, particularly the relationship between siblings and the emotional conflicts that arise from jealousy.
Fiction — The book presents a fictional narrative centered on the lives of two sisters and their interactions with their dolls.