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Wealth -- Religious aspects -- Juvenile fiction Books
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Susan Warner
What She Could
"What She Could" by Susan Warner is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a comfortable and respectable household, focusing on the lives of several young girls and their interactions within the community, particularly concerning their religious commitments and friendships. Central to the narrative are sisters Maria and Matilda, who grapple with the expectations of growing up, the desire to be good, and the significance of their roles within their church community. The opening of the book introduces us to the Englefield family, highlighting the children's lives and their connection to the Sunday School. After attending a meeting led by Mr. Richmond, the girls discuss their eagerness to form a group dubbed the "Sunday-School Working Band," with Maria enthusiastically sharing her experiences while Matilda is depicted as more contemplative and uncertain. As the sisters engage in playful banter about their responsibilities and aspirations, the narrative sets the stage for deeper explorations of faith, duty, and personal growth, especially through Matilda's evolving relationship with Mr. Richmond, who encourages her to confront her apprehensions about service and faith head-on.
Susan Warner
Opportunities
"Opportunities" by Susan Warner is a novel written in the late 19th century. It continues the story of Matilda Englefield, who has recently undergone baptism and is beginning to grapple with her responsibilities and duties as a member of the Church. The novel explores themes of service, charity, and personal growth as Matilda reflects on her newly assumed role and the expectations placed upon her by her family and society. The opening of the book introduces Matilda in a domestic setting where she and her sister Maria prepare breakfast. The atmosphere is tense due to Maria’s moodiness, setting the stage for Matilda’s kind and optimistic nature to shine through. While running an errand for ingredients, Matilda encounters a mischievous boy named Lem and engages him in a conversation that reflects her gentle spirit. The narrative further delves into Matilda’s thoughts about her baptization and her desire to fulfill her new role within the Church, which her Aunt Candy insists requires her to act with more maturity. Through her experiences and conversations, Matilda begins to understand the importance of serving others, teased by the burdens of the less fortunate, which increasingly weighs on her heart as the story unfolds.
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