"Sissy" and "The Wide, Wide World" comparison

I found many similarities between Sissy and Ellen Montgomery in The Wide, Wide World. Both characters share a close relationship to their mother. Sissy “never asked to play with other boys, seeming to find in his mother all desired companionship” (Kellogg 545). He seems to be completely satisfied by his mother’s company and is always finding ways to please her. This is a very different personality trait than the other little boys we have read about. It is very reminiscent of Ellen whose “love to her mother was the strongest feeling her heart knew” (Warner 25).

I think that both characters had such a strong emotional tie to their parents because they were raised in households with absent father figures. Although Ellen’s father played a vital role in The Wide, Wide World, he certainly did not play a vital role in her life. Ellen’s complete fascination and emotional dependence on her mother reinforced the fact that her father lacked a pivotal role in the little girl’s upbringing. Sissy, on the other hand, never knew his father who died when Sissy was only three years old. His pure and eternal love for his mother was not perpetuated by his father’s cold, aloof personality like Ellen’s.

I also found similarities between the two texts with references to windows. When Sissy is trying to convince his mother to adopt Margie he describes how “she’s got to stay cooped up there in that miserable, dirty place all summer, and just look out the window” (Kellogg 562). The lonely little girl staring out of a window conjured up memories of Ellen Montgomery. “Ellen betook herself to the window and sought amusement there” when no one else would entertain her (Warner 21). Both of these passages have a very sad and forlorn feel to them.

Sissy

Sissy challenged the texts that we have read thus far about what it means to be a little boy or little girl in the nineteenth century. He occupies a unique place in society because he captivates traits of both genders. "He possessed a girl's taste and delicacy and skill… combined with a boy's physical strength and hardihood" (Kellogg 546). Because he is constantly helping others and demonstrating a wealth of compassion, one would expect him to be rich with friends. I found it very interesting that he "had no 'crony,' or intimate companion, especially outside of the school-room (Kellogg 546). It seems as though a multitude of people, young and old, would seek a friend like Sissy in this world, however he is portrayed as somewhat of a loner. I think that Kellogg was trying teach people to accept others for who they are, even if they are immensely different. She continually uses positive words throughout the text to describe him and convey him as a sweet and loving boy. Even when he cuts up his great-grandmother's dress, his own mother shows no sign of anger because she wants to "commend Sissy's kindness" (Kellogg 551).
Sissy continually breaks the mold of societal standards of what boys were to act like. His loving demeanor and will to please his mother almost mirrors that of Ellen Montgomery, while his passion for sewing and cooking is a foil to Tom Sawyer's rugged character. He is also the first boy that we have read about who longs for a friendship with a little girl. He takes Margie almost as a charity case but ends up loving this little girl and obsessing over finding her. This desire to help and transform a little girl also demonstrates characteristics of a typical girl during this time rather than a boy. Sissy's character allows readers a glimpse into the heart of a little boy who is viewed as abnormal during this time and helps people to love his personality rather than dismiss him as different.

Short Story Reading Habits

As I read The Yellow Wallpaper and Desiree’s Baby, I tried to channel my focus into specific diction used in the texts. Because the length of the text is exponentially shorter, the author must choose every word with conviction. I was much more inclined to read every word in both stories rather than skimming the page as I would normally do with larger texts. When I skim large texts, I am able to fill in the gaps of the specifics words that I bypassed. In short stories, however, the text is so brief that a line could change the entire plotline.

In Desiree’s Baby, I noticed the manner in which old Monsieur Aubingy was described and actually took the depiction of his character to mean something deeper. I did not think that Chopin would frivolously foil old Aubingy’s “easy-going and indulgent” attitude which made his slaves happy with Young Aubingy’s strict rule that stifled their gayness (Chopin 517). It seems as though every detail that is included in short stories have some meaningful significance. Chopin’s portrayal of the father’s kind demeanor to his slaves foreshadowed his love and acceptance of African Americans.

The Yellow Wallpaper was a much more complicated story that took a tremendous amount of attention and analysis. I re-read the last two pages of the story very slowly and still felt confused about what was actually taking place. Only through close reading did I discover that the narrator was suffering from post-partum depression. She briefly mentions that she “cannot be with [the baby]” because “it makes [her] so nervous” (Gilman 507). An important clue like that may have been easily missed in a longer text because it would not seem to hold the same import as it does in this ten page text.

Little Lord Fauntleroy

Without making too many broad generalizations, I believe that Frances Hodgson Burnett’s gender shapes and influences Cedric in Little Lord Fauntleroy on a completely different level. Unfortunately, I think that it detracts somewhat to the paramount impact Cedric Errol had in shaping American society. Because Burnett is a woman, her fantasies about a young, sweet-natured boy who cares for his mother stupendously reflects her own personal desire for how boys and men should treat women. Cedric is repeatedly described as beautiful and charming with long descriptions of his “soft, fine gold-colored hair” and his “big brown eyes and long eyelashes.” (445) These physical descriptions seem to mirror the same standards of beauty that were applied for little girls at the time. It would seem as though Burnett was trying to have parents adopt the same ideals of beauty for their young boys as for their young girls.

I also think the scene where Cedric beats the other boy at the race is very insightful into the author’s own gender. Burnett creates peace and compassion through Cedric’s soothing words when he wins against Billy. Generally speaking, boys do not try and console their losing opponent in such a situation and most men would not encourage such a gesture. It is usually a girl or a woman who feels sympathy for her losing friend and wants to make the other person feel better.

This story is the first that we have read this year in which the boy’s characteristics and personality traits mimic those of the perfect little girls we have read about, i.e. Ellen Montgomery. I feel as though this is an attempt on Burnett’s part to create a guide for how the “good little boy” should act. Cedric is obviously very different from Ragged Dick and Tom Sawyer who prided themselves on being dirty and rugged.

Tom Sawyer

As I read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer I became more and more intrigued by Tom’s conniving and scheming ways. Although he is just a boy, it seems as though he has more than figured out how to manipulate the system. He constantly uses his “street-smarts” to dupe the other boys out of their deserved treasures. It is ironic to use the phrase “street-smarts” here since this story so obviously takes place in a simple, down-to-earth country town.

My favorite part of the story is the scene in the church where all the boys realize the fast one that Tom successfully pulled off to rise to the top. “The boys were all eaten up with envy—but those that suffered the bitterest pangs were those who perceived too late that they themselves had contributed to this hated splendor by trading tickets to Tom for the wealth he had amassed in selling whitewashing privileges.” (Twain 435) I found this passage to be rich with irony, trickery, and above all, entertainment. Not only was Tom able to swindle the boys out of their hard-earned tickets, but he achieved it through the tokens he received from tricking them into doing his work for him. Tom is constantly thinking on his feet and is able to use his wit to get ahead in life. His skill of being able to think outside of the box is a very powerful tool to have as an adult.

I also enjoyed the other boys’ reaction to the situation. It is obvious that they are always one step behind Tom, and the gravity of the situation did not dawn on them until it was too late. Although the kids despised his actions and felt themselves foolish, it is almost certain that they will revert back to looking up to him. He epitomizes the modern day, adult entrepreneur who everyone hates to love.

Ragged Dick

The prominent message in Ragged Dick is one that is quite contrasting to the message we have seen over and over for young girls in society. Ragged Dick is a symbol of hope and perseverance. Frank constantly gives Dick positive reinforcement and serves as his mentor and encouragement coach. His advocacy for Dick’s success is apparent in the scene where Frank says, “There’s hope for you, Dick, if you’ll try” (394). This idea of work ethic and success having a linear relationship says a great deal about the evolution of American’s thinking patterns in the 19th century. The American people wanted to instill this novel theory into the minds of young boys in order to create an ambitious society. Frank tells the story of Dick Whittington who “was very poor when he was a boy, but he didn’t stay so” (392). He rose to become the Lord Mayor of London by having an honest work ethic and by making sacrifices (even of his only beloved possession- his kitten).

The idea of rising to greatness was not even breached in our readings of little girls in the 19th century. They were taught to be young ladies- obedient to authority and submissive in nature. Not only are the valued characteristics of young boys and young girls completely different, the attitude surrounding the two genders is also very different. Boys who rise to a respectable stature will become powerful men, while girls who comply will become nurturing wives. These ideals that were taught to young children at the time carried over into adulthood and shaped the family dynamics during that century.

Insanity in A Whisper in the Dark

A Whisper in the Dark conveys new meaning in the concept of insanity. Because the story is narrated through Sybil’s eyes, the reader is not able to get a full, coherent picture of the story as it is unfolding. The story has an added element of chaos that I found very intriguing as I read. As Sybil grows madder and madder during her forced stay in the insane asylum, the story also becomes more and more bizarre. As I took a step back during the reading I wondered if the events were truly playing out in the same uncanny fashion described, or if Sybil’s perception of reality was indeed skewed and affecting the plotline. Her depictions of “a ghostly hand [that] emerged and beckoned” in the middle of the night seems to be a bit farfetched (234). The strange descriptions of her surroundings are also coupled with interjections she makes about her “health was going, [her] mind growing confused and weak” (235). These statements about her inevitable madness almost act as a plea for the reader to believe that she is still lucid enough to recognize her twisted fate playing out in front of her.

The fact that Sybil’s mother is residing in the room above her at the same insane asylum not only plays into the reoccurring theme of coincidences but also adds a new dynamic to the mother-daughter relationships we have seen thus far. The letter that her mother writes instructs her to “leave this accursed house while you have the power to do it” (238). I thought that it was very symbolic to see Sybil’s mother reaching out to her in an attempt to save her child even though she was unaware of her identity. It showed that same important ideal of mother’s protecting their children.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

As I read Uncle Tom’s Cabin it became apparent to me that the children throughout the story served a dual purpose: to demonstrate to the readers the horrors and afflictions that parents feel when their children are ripped away from them and also as the classic symbol of hope. Their role as a symbol of hope is presented differently than the other readings we have completed because the hope lies in the parent’s desires to not be sold away from one another. When Eliza makes it to the Birds home and falls asleep, her determination to cling to her child is evident as the texts describes how “her arm encircled him with an unrelaxing clasp, as if she could not even then be beguiled of her vigilant hold” (278). It is clear that her hope lies in the well-being of her child and staying united with him.

In the MacLeod reading it discussed how fiction of this time was a reflection of “hopes for the future” but “hope was shaded by anxiety- and the juvenile stories carried doubtful messages” (93). I think that Uncle Tom’s Cabin mirrors these assumptions in a very real way. The depiction of children as sweet and innocent juveniles is tainted by the fact that they are experiencing horrors unimaginable to us as a society today. It is inconceivable to imagine the desperation described when George is telling Mr. Wilson of his mother watching her children “sold before her eyes, one by one, all to different master” (308). All the hope that this woman had to look to was her children staying with her but that was stripped from her.

It is horrifying to think of this story as a didactic tool for children because it is exposing them to such hideous aspects of human kind. Although we saw the same scenario of Ellen being torn away from her parents and experiencing similar heartbreak, the two situations differ completely in the overall turn out. The Wide, Wide World used strangers as a symbol of goodness and helpfulness, whereas this story does not seem to demonstrate the same benevolence of the strangers who are slave traders.

Foreshadowing in The Hidden Hand

As I was reading I found there was foreshadowing sprinkled throughout the story that added an entirely new element of intensity. The subtle hints that were dropped clued me in that an epic scene was about to take place, yet I could not foresee the magnitude of the drama about to unfold.

As Old Hurricane is offering graciously to send Herbert’s friend, Traverse, to college and to give a fortune to the “poor widow,” Capitola interjects “you’ll marry her yourself, as a reward; wont you, unlce?” (186) At first glance this interruption from Capitola seems merely to be a child excitedly trying to push her way into the conversation; although, as the story continues it is apparent that Southworth was hinting at their previous marriage.

After all of the arrangements have been made and everyone is quite thrilled with the new charitable plans, Capitola again foreshadows the treacherous events to come when she tells Old Hurricane “you know you never once asked Herbert the name of the widow you are going to befriend, and he never told you” (187). At this point it is very clear that there must be some previous acquaintance with the fateful people.

When Herbert rides into town like a hero to bear the wonderful and life altering news, there is yet again another instance of foreshadowing. Marah Rocke listened “as pale as death and trembling all over” as Herbert divulged the wonderful news about his long lost uncle (194). I found this strange that she would be trembling in such a manner since she was so desperate for money. When she finally asked if Herbert was sure that Old Hurricane knew who they were I knew that there had to be a twisted past incorporated into the plot line. The foreshadowing served as a tool to build the reader’s anticipation. I believe that it aided in the excitement of the story and built an air of anxiety.

Gerty and Anna

The contemporary little girl on the show shared many of the same unique qualities as Gerty. First of all, I found it very interesting that Anna struck the “lion” pose in yoga when something was troubling her. This image reminded me of Susanna Cummin’s depiction of Gerty when she is throwing a fit in the street after Nan Grant boils her kitten. Gerty is described as “uttering a succession of piercing shrieks, until she quite exhausted her strength” (p 91). Although the approaches the two children take in grieving are starkly different, the underlying image of a lion is quite similar.

I also thought Anna and Gerty were analogous in the technique of “blanking” their minds when things were difficult for them. Anna’s meditation and relaxation mirrored Gerty’s approach of retreating to the wood-yard in an effort to clear her mind. It was her “haven of rest, her sanctum” in which she could find peace and forget her woes for a short period of time when the world seemed too tough for her (p 84).

When asked to share advice about how girls should be themselves, Anna explains that girls need to be themselves and not change in an effort to win friends. I think that Gerty would have a similar outlook if asked that same question on the show; however, I think she would have more resentment and bitterness built up in her response. True recognized “that the fire of her little spirit was not quenched or its evil propensities extinguished” (p 127). Because Gerty experienced trauma with other children throughout the story, she might retort with a more forceful and tart answer than Anna. The children who taunted her and called True “Old Smutty” really affected Gerty to the point of her wanting to fight them (p 146). I think that Gerty would have brought up this incident on the show and would have told Amy Poehler that girls should stick up for the ones that they love and admire.

The Wide, Wide World

The Wide, Wide World seems to examine parents as instructional tools. Ellen’s mother is her main guiding light, teaching her how to become the perfect lady as well as a high moral and spiritual code. Although Mrs. Montgomery is portrayed as a very loving mother she is also very stern with Ellen. Throughout the entire reading Ellen was reprimanded for showing too much emotion. Every time she began to cry her mother would tell her to that she should “try to compose [herself]” and that crying would only end up hurting both of them even more (p24). Mrs. Montgomery also strongly advised Ellen to put her full trust in the Lord and even told her that “if you love anybody or anything better than Jesus Christ, you cannot be one of his children.” (p51)
The text makes a clear division between mothers and fathers concerning sentiment and attachment to children. Mrs. Montgomery is always trying to keep her emotions level in order to consequently keep Ellen’s emotions level; however, she is deeply moved and sorrowed by the parting that the future brings. This affliction is evident in the scene where Mrs. Montgomery is trying to sleep on the night before Ellen must leave but lays in bed in vain and dread. The fact that Ellen must leave does not seem to bother Mr. Montgomery in the least. “He seemed very pleased” when he broke the news to his wife about finding a suitable acquaintance to take Ellen to Thirlwall. (p70). The most obvious division of mother and father lies in the love Ellen holds for the two of them. It seems as though she has no regard for her father and so much love for her mother that she is lovesick. At the very end of the reading, Ellen cannot even remember how she got into the carriage or for that matter saying goodbye to her father. The only thing that is plaguing her is the horror of leaving her mother.
Ellen perceives her mother in the highest esteem. When the old gentleman asks her if she would rather have something for herself or for her mother, Ellen retorts immediately with “Oh, for mamma, sir.” (p65) This is not a typical response of a young child but it is clear that Ellen really does put her mother before anything else in her own life.

Theories in Analyzing Children and Childhood Literature

In our recent readings, I have found many theories and common denominators used to explore and analyze children and childhood literature.

The first theory to keep in mind is that children’s literature is actually not written for the child; rather it is written as a reflection of the adult’s ideals and desires. In the Sanchez-Eppler article she articulates this thought in noting that “much of the most insightful work on children has seen childhood essentially as a discourse among adults.” This theory is evident in the story that we read of Rip Van Winkle who slept for twenty years and was rewarded by avoiding his overbearing wife Dame. Children have no conception of the struggles and difficulties that go hand-in-hand with a relationship, yet adults experience it on a daily basis.

The next important theory I saw in analyzing the readings was that a moral lesson must be present in the stories in order to teach and give merit to the future generations. MacLeod explains that “developing moral character of children was the object of much anxious attention in the period.” A good character was foiled with a bad character, and children were to draw from these obvious traits to learn the importance of obedience and morality.

The coinciding moral lesson was in direct relation to the political and social climate of the time; therefore, in the examination of children’s literature it is vital to keep in mind what was going on in America. “Stories to tell to children varied with these changes in perspective,” Sanchez-Eppler explained in correlation to changing American attitudes. Evolving from a Calvinistic perspective to a Jacksonian perspective, the essential values taught to children changed and was reflected in writings.

Another main theory that Sanchez-Eppler discusses is that children are “objects of socialization: taught to conform to social expectations.” I think that this is very different from the moral undertones of the stories because this theory explains how children are seen as objects and are essentially manipulated into believing conventional views of Americans.

Finally, it is key in analyzing children to recognize the fact that childhood is a thread that connects all people together. Sanchez-Eppler said it best when she phrased it by saying —“young will become old, and old once young.” This helps explain the sentiment and nostalgia tied to the memory of childhood. The commonality makes these works timeless.

Letter of Introduction

My name is Lindsay, and I am from San Antonio, Texas. I am a Junior majoring in strategic communications and minoring in business. I decided to come to TCU because I had many friends who had gone here and loved it. I visited Fort Worth when I was in high school and fell in love with the city. If I were to be Chancellor of TCU I would create more parking for students, lower tuition, and allow sophomores to live off campus. I think that a good teacher is someone who is genuinely interested in the well-fare of his or her students and who is flexible and understanding. On the flip side, I think that a student needs to be responsible, mature, and keep up with his or her work on a consistent basis.
If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose to dine with Jesus, Janis Joplin, and Andy Sandberg. These are all very different individuals who all spark my interest. Three important aspects about me are that I enjoy being around witty people with a good sense of humor, I procrastinate, and I am addicted to facebook. I hope to learn three things about everyone else, including: interests, opinions, and favorite pastimes of each individual.
I am taking this course as my last core credit and I hope to come out of it with a broader knowledge base of popular authors and works from the nineteenth century. I also think that this course will help me become more familiar and savvy when it comes to blogging.
I enjoy reading fantasy based novel outside of the classroom. The Harry Potter books are some of my favorites. I also prefer books that are light-hearted and humorous. I constantly read magazines and have a guilty pleasure for tabloids. My writings consist mostly of texting and e-mails outside of class. Although they are usually informal and between my friends or family, it drives me crazy when people utilize useless abbreviations or misuse grammar in texting. I think that my writing reflects my own personality and is unique.
I tried to put my own spin on this blog and personalize it in a well-rounded way as to capture my full personality and interests. I picked the blue, bubble background on my profile because I thought that it was the most conducive with what I like.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the syllabus.