Dawn

by Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter

"Dawn" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around young Keith Burton, who on his fourteenth birthday, discovers he is starting to experience blurred vision, leading to the anxiety of potential blindness. The narrative explores his emotional struggles alongside his relationships with his father and the lively, supportive figure of Susan Betts, as they navigate the fears and hopes surrounding Keith's condition and future dreams. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Keith's initial realization of his failing eyesight after receiving a gift from his father. It captures his apprehension about the implications of his condition, as he overhears conversations about a local man going blind. A significant relationship begins to form between Keith and Susan, who brings comic relief and heartfelt concern into his life, while illuminating the challenges Keith faces. The chapters illustrate Keith's dread as he grapples with potential blindness, while hinting at the strong themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the characters' journeys in the rest of the novel.