Amaryllis at the Fair

Name: Amaryllis at the Fair
Author: Richard Jefferies

The narrative unfolds around a young girl named Amaryllis, who lives with her parents, Iden and Mrs. Iden, in a rural setting marked by poverty and familial discord. The story begins with Amaryllis discovering the first daffodil of spring, which symbolizes hope and beauty in her otherwise dreary life. Her father, Iden, is a hardworking farmer, but his efforts are overshadowed by financial struggles and a strained relationship with his father, Grandfather Iden, a wealthy but harsh man who has not signed a will, leaving the family in uncertainty. Amaryllis is caught between her love for her father and her mother's disdain for her grandfather, who represents the oppressive weight of tradition and wealth. The family dynamics are complicated by Mrs. Iden's fluctuating attitudes towards her father and grandfather, oscillating between affection and contempt. The tension escalates as creditors frequently visit, demanding payment for debts that Iden struggles to settle, leading to a sense of hopelessness in the household. As the story progresses, Amaryllis grapples with her identity and aspirations. She possesses artistic talent, but her attempts to sell her drawings are met with failure, further exacerbating her feelings of inadequacy. The arrival of the Lady-day Fair serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, highlighting the stark contrast between the vibrant life of the fair and the somber reality of her home life. Amaryllis's relationship with her grandfather becomes a focal point when she is invited to dine with him, a gesture that stirs her resentment. Despite her initial reluctance, she attends the dinner, where her grandfather's condescending treatment and the presence of her relatives amplify her feelings of alienation. The dinner culminates in a moment of humiliation when she is forced to accept a spade-guinea from her grandfather, which she later discards in defiance of his authority. The narrative explores themes of class, familial loyalty, and the struggle for personal agency against societal expectations. Amaryllis's journey reflects her desire for independence and her longing for a life free from the burdens of her family's legacy. The story concludes with her determination to forge her own path, despite the challenges that lie ahead, symbolizing the resilience of youth in the face of adversity.

By Richard Jefferies · First published 1887 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Historical Fiction · 34 chapters · 70,597 words

First lines

"Our day is but a finger: bring large cups. " Alceus

Amaryllis found the first daffodil flowering by the damask rose, and immediately ran to call her father to come and see it.

What this Textopian page supports

Amaryllis at the Fair is listed on Textopian as a novel by Richard Jefferies, dated 1887 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Richard Jefferies
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Adventure
Length: 70,597 words
Structure: 34 chapters, 1,220 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of nature, human experience, and societal observations, characteristic of literary fiction.
Nature Writing — The narrative heavily features descriptions of the natural world and reflects on the relationship between humans and nature.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the book provides insights into the social and cultural aspects of the time.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist's journey reflects personal growth and self-discovery, common in coming-of-age narratives.