A Doll's Diary
The story revolves around a young girl's life in the mid-19th century. The diary entries reveal her daily struggles, desires, and relationships with family members and friends. Through her writing, the reader gains insight into the social norms, class distinctions, and gender roles of that time period.
By Thomas Anstey Guthrie · First published 1896 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Comedy · 3,475 words
First lines
_January 1._ -- Just had a brilliant idea -- _quite_ original. I don't believe even any human person ever _thought_ of such a thing, but then, -- besides being extremely beautiful and expensive, with refined wax features and golden hair -- I am a very clever doll indeed. Frivolous, no doubt; heartless, so they tell me -- but the very reverse of a _fool_. I flatter myself that if _anybody_ understands the nature of toys, especially _male_ toys -- but I am forgetting my idea -- which is this. I am going this year to write down -- the little girl I belong to has no idea I can write, but I _can_ -- and better than _she_ does, too! -- to write down every event of importance that happens, _with the dates_. There! I fancy _that_ is original enough. It will be a valuable dollian document when it is done, and _most_ interesting to look back upon. Now I must wait for something to happen.
What this Textopian page supports
A Doll's Diary is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Anstey Guthrie, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Comedy, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 3,475 words
- Structure: 1 section, 32 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Doll's Diary by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Doll's Diary?
- How does this short story by Thomas Anstey Guthrie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Wouldbegoods by Edith Nesbit
- Septimus Septimusson by Edith Nesbit
- Tourmalins Time Cheques by F. Anstey
- Old Friends Are Reunited by L. Frank Baum
- The Related Muff by Edith Nesbit
- The Adventurer by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative features anthropomorphized dolls and toys, exploring their lives and interactions in a whimsical, imaginative setting.
- Children's Literature — The book is written from the perspective of a doll, appealing to a younger audience with themes of play and imagination.
- Comedy — The story employs humor through the interactions and personalities of the toys, creating a light-hearted tone.
- Adventure — The plot includes various events and challenges faced by the doll, reflecting a journey of self-discovery and social dynamics.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Social commentary · Victorian era · Childhood · Imagination · Fantasy · Adventure · Coming of age · Growing up · Toy's perspective · Diary format