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.