Martha's Choice by Ruth Lamb (1883)
"Martha's Choice" by Ruth Lamb is a narrative centered around Martha, a devoted servant who faces a significant personal dilemma regarding her romantic relationship. Martha, the elder of two sisters working for a family, seeks advice from her employer about her engagement to George, a man whose religious convictions and lifestyle choices do not align with her own. Despite her affection for George, Martha is troubled by his lack of genuine religious commitment and his preference for secular amusements over spiritual ones. Her concerns are validated when she reads a Bible verse that resonates with her situation, leading her to question the compatibility of their relationship. Martha decides to end her engagement with George, prioritizing her faith and values over her personal desires. Her decision is supported by her employer, who admires Martha's reliance on biblical guidance. Martha's resolve is further tested by her sister Jessie's involvement with a man of even less moral standing, but despite efforts to dissuade Jessie, she marries him and faces the consequences of her choice. George does not respond to Martha's letter, and his family, who disapprove of Martha due to her social status, encourage him to move on. Martha remains steadfast in her decision and eventually marries a man who shares her values, leading to a fulfilling marriage and family life. Her story concludes with a testament to her character and the positive impact of her choices, highlighting the theme of faithfulness and the rewards of adhering to one's principles.
By Ruth Lamb · First published 1883 · Genre: Christian Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Historical Fiction · 1,324 words
First lines
MANY years ago, when I was comparatively new to family joys and cares, we had two servants, sisters, who had both lived some time in the family. One was older by ten years than the other, but each had won our good will and esteem by her steadiness and faithful service. Moreover, each had what is called a "follower," though not without my knowledge.
What this Textopian page supports
Martha's Choice is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ruth Lamb, 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: Ruth Lamb
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Christian Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Social Realism
- Length: 1,324 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Martha's Choice by Ruth Lamb
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Borrowed Feathers by Ruth Lamb
- The Brothers Return by Charlotte Maria Tucker
- Janets Boys by Annette Lyster
- Julia Martin by Anonymous
- Voices Hushed by Mary Alice Walton
- The Silent Woman by Eliza Margaret Jane Humphreys
Genres
- Christian Fiction — The narrative centers on biblical guidance and moral decisions that drive the protagonist's actions, making religious themes paramount.
- Domestic Fiction — The story focuses on family dynamics, servant-master relationships, and household affairs, emphasizing the domestic sphere.
- Historical Fiction — The portrayal of class distinctions, societal expectations, and period-specific moral values situates the work within a historical context.
- Romance — The plot revolves around marriage and relationships, exploring love and compatibility, albeit through non-traditional romantic choices.
Tags
drama · family · romance · betrayal · resilience · society · choice · women · identity · legacy · conflict · suspense