Marietta Holley
Josiah Allen's Wife as a P. A. and P. I.: Samantha at the Centennial.
Designed As a Bright and Shining Light, to Pierce the Fogs of Error and Injustice That Surround Society and Josiah, and to Bring More Clearly to View the Path That Leads Straight on to Virtue and Happiness.
"Josiah Allen's Wife as a P.A. and P.I.: Samantha at the Centennial" by Holley is a humorous work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the character of Samantha, who offers a witty and satirical perspective on women's roles in society through her interactions with her husband, Josiah Allen, as they prepare to attend the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The opening of the book introduces Samantha's strong-willed nature, showcasing her conversations with Josiah about the necessity of a preface for her writing. Through their exchanges, we see a blend of humor and domestic life as Samantha asserts her literary ambitions in spite of the humorous derision from Josiah. Additionally, the text hints at deeper themes around women’s rights and social expectations, leading us into Samantha's reflections on both her personal life and the broader societal context they inhabit.