The Rising Tide

by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland

"The Rising Tide" by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to focus on the lives and struggles of the Payton family, particularly the contrasting viewpoints of the mother, Mrs. Payton, and her daughter, Frederica. The narrative explores themes of familial duty, societal expectations, and the evolving role of women, as Frederica seeks independence from traditional domesticity. The opening of the novel introduces the setting of Payton Street, a once-genteel area now in decline, mirroring the family's own struggles with change. Mrs. Payton is depicted as a devoted yet somewhat repressive mother, dealing with her son Mortimore's challenges and the rebellious spirit of her daughter, Frederica. As Frederica contemplates entering the workforce and rejecting traditional gender roles, tensions arise between her desire for freedom and her mother's expectations. A visit from a family friend sets off discussions about Frederica's recent behavior, signaling a brewing conflict within the Payton household regarding duty, affection, and autonomy.