Oliver Optic
Hope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians: A Story for Young People
"Hope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians: A Story for Young People" by Oliver Optic is a novel for young readers written in the mid-19th century. The story follows Fanny Grant, a young girl who undergoes a transformation from being a wayward child to a more responsible person. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including a violent massacre involving Native Americans, it illustrates the importance of moral values and the consequences of one's actions. At the start of the story, Fanny Grant is depicted as overly confident yet mischievous, particularly concerning her namesake, Fanny Jane, who is being placed under Fanny's care. Their interactions reveal Fanny Jane's rebellious nature, leading her caretaker to distrust her promises of good behavior. The narrative introduces the familial context, touching upon Fanny Grant's role within the Grant family during the American Civil War, setting the stage for her character development amid various trials. As the story unfolds, themes of influence, redemption, and the struggle between virtue and vice begin to emerge, particularly illustrated through Fanny Jane's conduct and its impact on those around her.