Original stories from real life
 With conversations, calculated to regulate the affections, and form the mind to truth and goodness.

by Mary Wollstonecraft

"Original Stories from Real Life" by Mary Wollstonecraft is a collection of moral tales written in the late 18th century. The text aims to guide children towards truth, goodness, and a better understanding of their emotions and behaviors through narrative and conversation. The central characters are two young girls, Mary and Caroline, who navigate their education and personal development under the care of their compassionate tutor, Mrs. Mason. The opening of the book introduces the children and outlines their previous neglect in education, which leads to their misbehavior and ignorance. Mrs. Mason takes them on a nature walk, where she observes their cruelty towards insects. Through gentle conversation, she aims to instill values of kindness towards all living things, explaining that even seemingly insignificant creatures have a place in God's creation. The interactions focus on developing empathy and understanding the responsibilities that come with human cognition and emotion, setting the stage for a series of moral lessons that will follow throughout the work.