The Making of a Prig

by Evelyn Sharp

"The Making of a Prig" by Evelyn Sharp is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around young Katharine, the Rector's daughter, as she grapples with the constraints of her upbringing, her burgeoning independence, and her relationships with the people in her life, particularly her father and Aunt Esther, who represent differing viewpoints on propriety and emotional expression. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to the dynamics within the Rectory as Katharine and her Aunt Esther engage in a familiar conflict over the Rector's late arrival for supper. This setting lays the groundwork for Katharine’s rebellious spirit, which becomes increasingly evident as she questions the societal expectations placed upon her and expresses frustration at being a girl in a world that often feels limited and oppressive. The opening chapters also hint at her growing curiosity about a new character, Paul Wilton, who arrives injured and thus becomes an interest of both her and her Aunt Esther, setting the stage for deeper interactions and explorations of character motivations.